A*STAR IMCB spin-off BetaLife expands in China to advance regenerative medicine for diabetes

MEDIA RELEASE
 A*STAR IMCB spin-off BetaLife expands in China to advance regenerative medicine for diabetes


BetaLife, a spin-off of the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (A*STAR IMCB), was featured in Lianhe Zaobao on 11 October 2026 for its expansion into China and efforts to advance regenerative medicine for diabetes. The report highlighted how Singapore biomedical companies are building partnerships to support clinical research and commercialisation.

BetaLife builds on stem cell technology developed at A*STAR to advance regenerative therapies for diabetes, with A/Prof Adrian Teo, Division Director and Senior Investigator at A*STAR IMCB, serving as its Scientific Co-Founder.

According to the report, BetaLife established joint ventures in Shenzhen and Xiamen in September 2025. It has since partnered with the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University on clinical research and commercialisation in cell and gene therapies. The report also described a visit to the company’s office and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory in Shenzhen.

China’s substantial healthcare needs, clinical capabilities and manufacturing ecosystem were among the factors behind BetaLife’s expansion. These resources offer opportunities to support the development of potential therapies and their progression towards clinical applications.

BetaLife’s research focuses on using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate pancreatic islet cells, with the aim of developing cell replacement therapies for diabetes.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, 11 October 2026 (in Chinese)
Company website: BetaLife.