Bay Area Sci-Tech Innovation City leading the way

A pioneering organoid center has opened in Shanghai's coastal Jinshan District, aiming to speed up the development of groundbreaking Chinese-made drugs.

Organoid research, which involves growing tiny, lab-created organs from stem cells that mimic human organs, is gaining global attention.

These organoids could transform drug research and treatments, offering new hope for patients and scientists alike. With the ability to be cultured over long periods, they pave the way for significant advancements in both basic science and clinical applications.

Located in the Shanghai Bay Area Sci-Tech Innovation City, the center is backed by Shanghai OneTar Biomedicine.

OneTar has developed a unique platform combining artificial intelligence and organoid technology, creating highly accurate models that bridge the gap between research and real-world drug applications. The company has collaborated with nearly 100 top hospitals across China, building more than 4,000 organoid models covering 30 types of cancer.

"We're creating a powerful innovation hub that connects this center, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals," Xu Heming, the company's medical manager, said.

"This will accelerate drug development and improve treatment precision, making them more affordable and accessible for patients."

The center also promises to replace traditional animal models with organoids, cutting development timelines and reducing costs.

The Shanghai Bay Area Sci-Tech Innovation City spans 7.4 square kilometers and focuses on biomedicine, new materials, green energy, and smart manufacturing.

With major projects like the Zhongke Eco-Digital Port and the Shanghai Bay Area Tower already underway, it is about to open up 550,000 square meters of high-quality industrial space.