Youwe

About Youwe

Youwe (Zhuhai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a biopharmaceutical company established in February 2017, focusing on the research, development, and industrialization of dissolving microneedle transdermal drug delivery technology. The company was founded by three PhDs returning from Yonsei University in South Korea, with Leng Gang serving as a founder and the current CEO. Youwe Biotechnology operates from Zhuhai, China, and has established itself as a national high-tech enterprise.

The company's business model encompasses both the medical and cosmetic sectors, providing a range of services that include CRO (Contract Research Organization), CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), OEM, and ODM. For the pharmaceutical industry, Youwe offers development of new transdermal drug delivery dosage forms and sustained-release drug solutions. In the cosmetic and skincare market, it develops and manufactures products designed to improve the transdermal absorption of active ingredients for concerns like acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This dual focus allows the company to serve pharmaceutical firms, medical device companies, and health and beauty brands.

Youwe's core technology is its proprietary dissolving microneedle patch system, which represents a significant advancement over traditional topical applications. These patches are engineered with microscopic needles made of soluble materials, like hyaluronic acid, that painlessly penetrate the skin's outer layer to deliver active ingredients directly where they are needed. The company has developed its third-generation "One Step LT-MN Technology®" process, a low-temperature, rapid-molding technique that preserves the activity of sensitive ingredients. This process allows for the stable, large-scale production of patches with precise, quantitative drug loading, a key differentiator from conventional manufacturing methods. The company operates a GMP-certified facility of over 3,000 square meters, which includes an automated production line for its microneedle patches.

Since its inception, the company has secured significant funding to fuel its growth. It has raised a total of $22.1M, including a Series A round in August 2021 led by Source Code Capital and a Series B round of nearly 100 million yuan ($14.9M) in June 2022, solely invested by Cenova Capital. These funds are directed towards expanding its commercialization efforts in the consumer sector, advancing its medical business, and increasing production capacity. The company's intellectual property portfolio is substantial, with over 80 patent applications submitted and more than 60 patents granted.