#China #Shanghai #Matwings Technology #AccelProtein™ #Protein Engineering

Matwings Technology Secures Series A Funding for Protein Design

On December 25, 2024, Shanghai Matwings Technology Co., Ltd., a frontrunner in AI-driven protein design, proudly announced the completion of its Series A funding round, successfully raising substantial investment led by Qiming Venture Partners. This milestone not only highlights the confidence investors have in Matwings' innovative approach but also marks a significant step forward in the field of protein engineering.

Matwings is at the forefront of redefining protein functionality with its state-of-the-art platform, AccelProtein™, which goes beyond traditional protein design by predicting functionality from structural data. This capability enables scientists to engineer proteins that are not only more effective but also tailored for specific applications, marking a shift from evolutionary methods of protein design.

AccelProtein™: The Future of Protein Engineering

The backbone of AccelProtein™ is the Pro-PRIME model, a cutting-edge framework developed with the collaborative efforts of Professor Liang Hong and his team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Their scholarly work, recently published in Science Advances, emphasizes the integration of machine learning techniques and extensive data collection to optimize protein design.

An instance of AccelProtein™'s powerful capabilities is demonstrated in the engineering of a specialized Glycosyltransferase enzyme, crucial for producing EPS-G7, a key material used in pancreatitis screening. Matwings achieved remarkable results in just four months, increasing the enzyme's total glycosylation activity by sevenfold, enhancing specificity from 60% to 98%, and reducing hydrolytic activity by a significant 33%. The outcome of these advancements has resulted in a staggering 90% reduction in EPS-G7 production costs, making it significantly more accessible for laboratories worldwide.

Furthermore, Matwings’ engineering achievements extend to the creation of an alkali-resistant affinity ligand, drastically improving performance metrics in affinity chromatography applications. This engineered nanobody demonstrated enhanced alkali resistance, superior binding capacity, and notable thermal stability improvements, all contributing to substantial cost savings in current manufacturing processes for a Matwings client. By successfully scaling production to 5000L, Matwings is not only propelling its technological advancements but also making strides toward affordable solutions in biologics production.

Ongoing Projects and Future Collaborations

Since its inception in 2021, Matwings has successfully completed over 30 protein engineering projects—spanning proprietary initiatives and collaborative ventures. These projects encompass a diverse range of applications, including drug development, diagnostics, nutrition, health care, food and beverage sectors, and even green energy solutions. The company continues to explore partnerships that will enhance its offerings and broaden its impact across industries.

Matwings’ proprietary platform boasts an impressive repository of 780 million curated protein sequences, enabling unparalleled functionality optimization. With more than 40 active projects in pharmaceuticals and synthetic biology, the company's commitment to advancing protein engineering is evident.

As Matwings looks to the future, it seeks to establish global partnerships aimed at jointly developing and commercializing groundbreaking biotechnological products. The potential applications of their innovations could significantly transform industries dedicated to health, food, and energy.

Conclusion

With substantial new funding and a revolutionary approach to protein design, Matwings Technology is poised to make significant contributions to the field of biotechnology and beyond. The launch of AccelProtein™ opens up promising avenues for innovative solutions tailored to meet the pressing demands of science and industry. As they continue their mission, the prospects for Matwings are indeed bright, with potential to shape the future of protein engineering for years to come.