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Viva Biotech (Shanghai) Ltd.
Viva Biotech (01873.HK) provides one-stop structure-based drug discovery services and CDMO, serving 2,786 clients, with an equity-for-service investment...
Viva Biotech (Shanghai) Ltd.
Viva Biotech was established in 2008 in Shanghai, China, as a structure-based drug discovery (SBDD) services provider. The company went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under ticker 01873.HK. Its core offering spans early-stage protein expression and purification through to commercial manufacturing, covering small molecules and biologics. The firm operates across multiple asset classes: CRO drug R&D services (including Cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, DEL, ASMS, SPR, HDX, and AIDD/CADD), CDMO manufacturing via its subsidiary Langhua Pharma, and an equity-for-service (EFS) investment model. Viva serves over 2,786 pharmaceutical and biotech clients globally, with confirmed geographic reach across North America, Europe, and Asia. The EFS business invests in high-potential startups in exchange for service contracts, creating a portfolio of 93 invested and incubated companies. Viva employs 2,169 people worldwide and holds 67 domestic and foreign patents. It maintains laboratories in Shanghai, Bellevue (Washington), and Cambridge (Massachusetts). In May 2026, the company announced it was supporting the cryo-EM structure determination of HBS1L molecular glue degrader TNG961 for a cancer discovery publication (per company website, May 2026). The firm also has a philanthropic ESG program separated from its business operations. What distinguishes Viva is its integrated equity-for-service model. Unlike pure CROs that charge only for services, Viva takes equity stakes in early-stage biotech clients, aligning its returns with their success. This creates a self-reinforcing loop where service revenue funds deal flow, and equity upside supplements fee income.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2008
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Asia
Country
China
City
Shanghai
Corporate office
No.735, Ziping Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201318, China
Additional offices
Bellevue, United States · Cambridge, United States
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Viva Biotech?
Viva Biotech is a publicly traded company (01873.HK) and its investment decisions for the EFS (equity-for-service) business are made by its management team. The firm does not publicly name a single CIO or investment head for the EFS portfolio. Corporate governance is overseen by a board of directors as disclosed in its Hong Kong Stock Exchange filings.
How does Viva Biotech source proprietary deal flow?
Viva's EFS model generates deal flow from its existing CRO client base. As clients engage Viva for drug discovery services, the firm identifies high-potential startups and offers service contracts in exchange for equity stakes. This creates a captive pipeline of companies that are already using Viva's platforms.
Is Viva Biotech structured as a family office or a CRO?
Viva Biotech is a publicly listed company (01873.HK) operating as a contract research and manufacturing organization. It does not function as a family office. Its EFS business functions more like a venture investment arm within a corporate structure, distinct from pooled investment vehicles.
What investment stages does Viva Biotech typically target in its EFS model?
Viva's EFS investments target early-stage biotech startups — typically those still in preclinical discovery or requiring platform services such as protein expression, structure determination, or hit identification. The firm does not disclose specific stage or ticket-size ranges publicly.
Does Viva Biotech participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Viva Biotech engages exclusively through direct equity stakes in portfolio companies via its EFS model. There is no public disclosure of any fund-of-funds or external GP commitment activity. The firm's investment activity is tied directly to its service relationships.
Which sectors does Viva Biotech explicitly avoid in its EFS investments?
Viva Biotech focuses entirely on biotech and pharmaceutical drug discovery. It does not publicly disclose any excluded sectors, but its operating model — rooted in structure-based drug discovery — implies a focus on small-molecule and biologics therapeutics.
How is Viva Biotech related to Langhua Pharma?
Langhua Pharma is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viva Biotech that provides CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control) services. It handles the manufacturing and commercial-scale production stage, extending Viva's one-stop offering from early discovery to commercial drug delivery.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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