100% Retention Rate: How WuXi AppTec's Integrated Platform Helped Clients Secure Global Partnerships
A lipid-siRNA conjugate for extrahepatic delivery advanced from post-PCC API process development to IND filing in just nine months on WuXi TIDES; after a change in molecular ownership, the client kept the program on WuXi AppTec's platform—a 100% retention rate.
In novel drug development, time is often the variable that determines success or failure. Recently, a lipid-siRNA conjugate for extrahepatic delivery advanced from API process development (post-PCC confirmation) to IND filing in just nine months on WuXi TIDES—WuXi AppTec's integrated CRDMO platform for oligonucleotides, peptides, and related synthetic conjugates. For an oligonucleotide conjugate involving two-step conjugation, intricate processes, and numerous unit operations, such a pace is uncommon in the industry.
The biotech partnered with WuXi TIDES early in the program. After taking over, the team systematically re-engineered and optimized the process, addressing multiple technical challenges and delivering the GLP batch on time and to high quality. Shortly after this key batch was delivered, the molecule's potential was recognized by the industry and an out-licensing agreement was reached, with a global pharmaceutical company acquiring global rights. The new rights holder chose to continue advancing the molecule on WuXi AppTec's platform and expanded the collaboration from API to drug product. Under a unified analytical method and quality system, the API, formulation, and analytical teams worked in parallel—accelerating development while reducing method-handover and supply-risk exposure.
The case illustrates how WuXi AppTec's integrated CRDMO platform helps customers reach milestone licensing transactions. Figures disclosed at the company's 2025 Investor Day show that, among the 213 chemically synthesized molecules involved in global licensing deals or transactions from 2024 to H1 2025, WuXi AppTec supported 62 (29%). Of these, 53 molecules were already on the platform before the change in ownership, and after the transaction the retention rate reached 100%. Keeping programs on the platform after ownership changes avoids the time and operational risks of handover and leverages end-to-end continuity to accelerate approvals across more markets.
About WuXi AppTec
WuXi AppTec (stock codes: 603259.SH / 2359.HK) is a leading global research and development enablement platform with an integrated, end-to-end model. Through its distinctive CRDMO and CTDMO business models, the company continuously lowers the barriers to drug discovery and development, helps partners improve R&D efficiency, and brings more breakthrough therapies to patients—advancing its vision that 'every drug can be made and every disease can be treated.'