L'Oréal backs Shanghai biotech Moyom's push beyond China

What's the deal? Moyom Biotech, a Shanghai-based developer of regenerative biomaterials for aesthetics, has raised an early-stage VC round led by the Cathay Consumer Co-Creation Fund, part of Cathay CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. L'Oréal and the Shanghai Jing'an District Government also joined.

What's the endgame? The capital will fund clinical translation, international regulatory approvals, and market entry outside China. Founded in 2018, Moyom wants to build its flagship product into a global brand.

That product, Aphranel, is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) biostructure that provides immediate support while triggering natural regeneration. Since its May 2025 launch, it has reached more than 700 aesthetic clinics across China.

Why now? Moyom cleared two key regulatory hurdles: Class III medical device registration from China's National Medical Products Administration in February 2025, and compliance with the European Union Medical Device Regulation in May 2026. Those approvals open the door to overseas markets.

The signal: L'Oréal's involvement points to established beauty players looking to Chinese biotech for next-generation, science-led aesthetic materials — and to Shanghai emerging as a hub for regenerative medicine startups eyeing global expansion.

Read more: third-news.com

Image credit: Generated with Gemini