On April 18, supported by People’s Daily Health Client as media partner and GeneIII Bio as a public welfare sponsor, the “GeneIII Ergothioneine Multi-Field Human Clinical Validation IIT Results Conference and Ergothioneine Academic and Application Exchange Meeting” was grandly held at the headquarters of the People’s Daily in Beijing.
The event gathered a wide range of industry and academic leaders, including Zhao Anping, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of People’s Daily Health Client; Professor Barry Halliwell, Senior Advisor for Academic Appointments and Excellence Research at the Office of the Provost, National University of Singapore (NUS), and Distinguished Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS; Ding Wei, Founder and Chairman of GeneIII Bio; Dr. Wang Yang, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of GeneIII Bio; Dr. Yang Qinghua of Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory; Tao Chunlei, Chairman of Anhui Wanbang Pharmaceutical; Wang Dahong, Founder of Shuzheng Kangxun Market Intelligence Think Tank; Guo Hui, Deputy Director of the Zhonglian Liver Health Promotion Center; along with leaders from top hospitals, pharmaceutical enterprises, industry think tanks, and over 100 beauty and health KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), to witness the release of GeneIII’s ergothioneine human clinical IIT results in the fields of liver and eye health.
As a strategic emerging industry at the national level, synthetic biology is rapidly reshaping the health and wellness sector. GeneIII Bio, leveraging its globally leading synthetic biology technology for ergothioneine production, has successfully achieved the first multi-field human clinical IIT validation results.
01
Technological Breakthroughs Driving Industry Innovation Ergothioneine Clinical IIT Validation Leading a New Trend in Health Consumption
At the start of the conference, Zhao Anping, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of People’s Daily Health Client, delivered an opening speech, stating: “Synthetic biology and the health industry are both nationally strategic sectors. As a strategic emerging industry, synthetic biology is a key engine for upgrading biomedicine and health industries. I call on academia, industry, and research sectors to deepen collaborative innovation.”
Ergothioneine is a natural sulfur-containing amino acid and a powerful antioxidant, historically dubbed “the golden antioxidant” due to its high production cost. “To make ergothioneine accessible to the general public instead of remaining a luxury, we achieved leaps in purity and production capacity while reducing costs by 90% through synthetic biology technology,” shared Ding Wei, Founder and Chairman of GeneIII Bio, discussing the team’s three years of intensive efforts. “Ergothioneine’s protective effects for the eyes and liver have moved from ‘theoretical possibility’ to ‘clinical proof’. Over the past year, two human clinical studies targeting dry eye and liver function have yielded significant results, confirming its efficacy in eye and liver health fields,” Ding added.
Professor Barry Halliwell, Senior Advisor for Academic Appointments and Excellence Research at NUS and Distinguished Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, widely recognized as the “Father of the Free Radical Theory of Aging,” delivered a keynote speech titled “Recent Advances in Ergothioneine Research.” He provided a detailed overview of current research progress, study designs, and experimental outcomes. Professor Halliwell emphasized that ergothioneine, with its unique molecular mechanisms, is emerging as a multi-target breakthrough ingredient in the anti-aging field. It offers cross-organ protection, particularly in skin and neurodegenerative disease prevention. As humans cannot synthesize ergothioneine naturally and endogenous levels sharply decline with age, exogenous supplementation has become a scientifically necessary means of maintaining cellular antioxidant functions. He noted that ergothioneine’s multi-dimensional mechanisms provide an irreplaceable biotechnology solution for developing anti-aging products. In skin, ergothioneine penetrates the epidermal layers to the dermis, reducing collagen degradation and improving photoaging. In the nervous system, it crosses the blood-brain barrier to protect neurons, offering potential in early-stage prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Tao Chunlei, Chairman of Anhui Wanbang Pharmaceutical, speaking from a CRO (Contract Research Organization) perspective, pointed out that the breakthroughs in clinical results for liver and eye applications are not the end: four additional functional areas are currently undergoing clinical research. GeneIII Bio maintains a “data doesn’t lie” principle from molecular mechanism exploration to clinical protocol design, and such a “science-first, evidence-driven” R&D philosophy is the core competitiveness for China’s health food sector.
Wang Dahong, Founder of Shuzheng Kangxun Market Intelligence Think Tank, Secretary-General of the Market Work Committee of the China Health Care Association, and Chairman of the Health Products Committee of the China OTC Drug Association, called for greater attention to the hidden and widespread issues of liver health, highlighting ergothioneine’s value in intervening in metabolic liver injury.
He noted that liver disease incidence among Chinese residents has surged over the past decade, with related public awareness also intensifying. Balancing oxidative stress is critical for liver protection. Research confirms that ergothioneine, with its high stability and bioavailability in the human body, effectively scavenges excess free radicals, reduces oxidative stress, and protects cell membranes and DNA integrity. Moreover, ergothioneine shows great potential in preventing and treating various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes.
Wang Yanxu, General Manager of Early Data, analyzed 2024 dietary supplement consumption trends from a nutritional health market and ergothioneine industry perspective. She shared that the dietary supplement market in 2024 reached $125.5 billion in sales, growing 12.0% year-on-year. The ergothioneine ingredient category saw an explosive 1071.5% year-on-year growth. In the liver health sector, ergothioneine, as a newly added compound in functional formulations, grew by an astonishing 8199.4%, becoming one of the fastest-growing ingredients in the liver health market. In the eye health field, ergothioneine also began gaining traction and growing rapidly starting in 2024.
The rapid growth of ergothioneine across multiple sectors is mainly driven by cross-border e-commerce channels, with more than half of sales coming from Tmall Global. Consumer feedback highlights its recognized efficacy in liver protection, improving complexion, and enhancing sleep quality. Data indicate that the nutrition and health market has entered a “dual-engine” era driven by “innovative dosage forms + functional ingredients,” and ergothioneine is becoming a major new growth driver.
02 Clinical Evidence Anchors Multi-Track Eye and Liver Health Protection Accelerating the Industrialization of Functional Formulations
At 3 PM, the much-anticipated release of GeneIII’s original ergothioneine multi-field IIT human clinical study results took place. Dr. Jiang Jiang, Principal Investigator of the ergothioneine eye discomfort IIT human clinical trial, Director and Chief Physician of the West District of Hefei First People’s Hospital, and Standing Member of the Visual Rehabilitation Committee of the Anhui Rehabilitation Medical Association, presented the GeneIII ergothioneine eye wash clinical study results.
Dr. Jiang explained that according to literature research, ergothioneine can alleviate ocular oxidative stress and help in antibacterial defense by reducing nitrosative stress and maintaining lactoferrin activity. The eye has the highest ergothioneine concentration among body organs (at molar levels), where it plays key antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial roles. As the body ages and the eyes remain exposed to environmental factors, oxidative damage increases, and ergothioneine consumption leads to weakened antioxidant and antibacterial abilities. Major blinding diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration are closely linked to oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defenses.
Clinical trial results showed that after using GeneIII’s ergothioneine eye wash, participants exhibited significant decreases in Dry Eye Questionnaire scores, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, and Visual Fatigue scores. Tear film break-up time in dry eye patients improved by an average of 27.74% compared to baseline. [1]
At the same time, Ms. Shao Feng, General Manager of Anhui Linka Medical Technology Co., Ltd., head of the clinical CRO for the ergothioneine liver function IIT trial, reported on GeneIII’s ergothioneine capsule human clinical research:
Clinical data from randomized double-blind trials conducted in tertiary hospitals showed that after 30 days of continuous supplementation with GeneIII ergothioneine capsules, serum ALT and AST levels decreased significantly by 21.3% and 19.6%, respectively, compared to the control group—meeting pharmaceutical-grade efficacy standards. Furthermore, participants’ daytime dysfunction scores (reflecting fatigue and energy levels) improved by 51.56% from baseline. [2]
03 Synthetic Biology Reshapes the Health Industry Academia-Industry Roundtable Builds an Innovation Ecosystem
As a key practice in reshaping the synthetic biology industrial ecosystem, the event featured an “Industrial Resonance Roundtable Forum.” In the “Eye Health Innovation Ecosystem” panel, Mr. Zhu Kuo, Partner at Jifu Asia, moderated discussions with Prof. Barry Halliwell (NUS), Prof. Zhang Yu (Dean, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University), Mr. Ding Wei (Founder and Chairman of GeneIII), Mr. Liu Yun (Founder of Huayi Capital), and Dr. Jiang Jiang.
Prof. Halliwell highlighted ergothioneine’s blood-brain barrier penetration and irreversible antioxidant properties, noting its potential to revolutionize treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Dr. Jiang emphasized the urgent clinical need for dry eye solutions in China, with over 360 million patients, and praised GeneIII’s eye wash for restoring ocular microenvironment homeostasis—filling a clinical gap.
In the “New Era of Liver Health Protection” forum, Mr. Kang Shuangming (Founder, Hongming Tech Consulting) moderated discussions with Mr. Wang Dahong (Founder, Shuzheng Market Intelligence), Dr. Wang Yang (Co-founder and Chief Scientist of GeneIII), Dr. Guo Hui (Deputy Director, China Liver Health Promotion Center), and Dr. Yang Qinghua (Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore).
Dr. Wang Yang shared GeneIII’s innovations in strain engineering, highlighting how their use of gene editing, AI, and biosensors transformed traditional fermentation tanks from “black boxes” to “white boxes,” enabling real-time monitoring of biochemical reactions.
“In Chinese philosophy, balance between yin and yang is the way of the Dao,” Dr. Wang said. “Managing the balance between oxidation and antioxidation during reactions is about approaching natural laws.”
04 Establishment of the GeneIII International Expert Advisory Board Advancing Ergothioneine Clinical Research Translation
At 5 PM, the formation of the “GeneIII Ergothioneine Clinical Research Expert Advisory Board” was announced, climaxing the event. Participants included GeneIII founders Ding Wei and Dr. Wang Yang, Prof. Barry Halliwell, Prof. Zhang Yu, Dr. Jiang Jiang, Mr. Wang Dahong, Ms. Tao Chunlei (Founder and Chairwoman of Anhui Wanbang Pharmaceuticals), Mr. Liu Yun, Dr. Yang Qinghua, and Dr. Kang Shuangming. The Advisory Board will focus on mechanisms research, clinical expansion, and standard-setting to promote Chinese synthetic biology achievements internationally.
This event at the People’s Daily headquarters not only showcased leading scientific achievements but also highlighted deep collaboration between national media and cutting-edge biotech companies.
GeneIII is setting a benchmark in synthetic biology, combining clinical validation, international expert collaboration, and full industry chain layout to establish a closed-loop “research-clinical-industrial” development model. From the People’s Daily stage, GeneIII is powerfully broadcasting China’s biotech capabilities to the world.
Moving forward, GeneIII plans to accelerate multicenter clinical trials of ergothioneine in anti-aging and liver health, leveraging the expertise of the world’s first Ergothioneine Clinical Research Expert Advisory Board, and continuing to break technical barriers in synthetic biological manufacturing—bringing “Made in China” biotech solutions to global healthcare.
References:
[1] Data from Ergothioneine Eye Wash Human Clinical IIT Report, Registration Number: ChiCTR2400090987
[2] Data from Ergothioneine Capsule Human Clinical IIT Report, Registration Number: ChiCTR2400093739
From the “Hermès of the Antioxidant” to Global Inclusivity: GeneIII Biotech Rewrites Industrial Rules
On February 25, 2025, GeneIII Biotech and Professor Barry Halliwell, an international authority on anti-aging, the founder of the free radical theory of aging, and the “Father of L-Ergothioneine Research,” officially launched the L-Ergothioneine scientific research cooperation agreement at the National University of Singapore. This cooperation marks a crucial step for Chinese enterprises in the global anti-aging scientific research field and reconfirms GeneIII Biotech’s strategic determination to “drive industrial upgrading through technological transformation.”
Ding Wei, the founder and chairman of GeneIII Biotech, granted an exclusive interview to Forbes. A seasoned industry leader who previously helmed the China operations of multinational giant A.O. Smith and the Hengjie Group, with over 20 patents, Ding Wei, shared with his characteristic pragmatism and passion, to recount how GeneIII achieved to break through from laboratory research to industrial-scale production, and became a “Chinese Calling Card” in the international anti-aging arena. He also firstly provided an in-depth interpretation of the strategic significance of the scientific research cooperation with Professor Halliwell.
I. Technological Breakthrough: Synthetic Biology Technology Brings L-Ergothioneineto the Masses with “Gold-Priced”
“GeneIII Biotech has spent three years to achieve comprehensive leadership in the quality, production capacity, and cost of L-Ergothioneine, so that it can be accessible to thousands of households.” – Ding Wei
L-Ergothioneine, a natural antioxidant discovered in 1909, is hailed as the “Hermès of the antioxidant world” for its ultra-small molecular structure and unique protective mechanism for cellular mitochondria. However, for a long time, L-Ergothioneine could only be extracted from mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum and Matsutake. Its cost remained stubbornly high, making large-scale application difficult.
In 2021, Ding Wei led his team to establish GeneIII Biotech, focusing on the trend of synthetic biology technology. “The traditional extraction method was destined to be unable to meet market demand. We had to reconstruct the production chain with an engineering mindset,” Ding Wei explained. Through the synthetic biology technology, GeneIII successfully completed the “four-stage relay” of L-Ergothioneine strain construction, fermentation, purification, and engineered mass production. The purity of the L-Ergothioneine raw material has reached 99.99%, with a monthly production capacity of 3 to 5 tons, which can satisfy the supply demands of the global market. It has reduced the raw material cost by 90% and enabled the company to rank among the world-class manufacturers of L-Ergothioneine raw materials.
Leveraging its advantage of raw materials, GeneIII’s L-Ergothioneine Capsules quickly topped the sales charts in the L-Ergothioneine category on Tmall and JD.com. The outstanding performance in the terminal market has propelled China to become the core hub of the global L-Ergothioneine supply chain. Moreover, GeneIII Biotech has always played a leading role in the product application of L-Ergothioneine. In 2023, GeneIII Biotech participated in formulating the Chinese group standard Cosmetic ingredient – Ergothioneine, which is the first group standard for L-Ergothioneine in China. In 2024, GeneIII Biotech took the lead in formulating the group standard Specification for Quality and Safety of Ergothioneine Eye Wash for Eye Care. In terms of raw material safety, GeneIII Biotech has passed the US Food Safety GRAS certification, paving the way for its global layout.
II. Strategic Upgrade: Collaborating with Professor Halliwell to Usher in a New Era of Anti-aging Research
“Our scientific research cooperation with Professor Halliwell is a historic handshake between scientific theory and industrial practice.” – Ding Wei
On February 25, 2025, the signing ceremony of the scientific research cooperation between GeneIII Biotech and Professor Barry Halliwell was successfully held at the National University of Singapore. Representatives from the Singapore Enterprise Development Agency (ESG), the research institute of the National University of Singapore, GeneIII Biotech and its client representatives jointly witnessed this historic moment.
Professor Halliwell is the founder of the free radical theory of aging. With more than 50 years of research on free radicals, he has provided crucial theoretical support for the anti-aging mechanism of L-Ergothioneine. It is reported that Professor Halliwell is not only one of the most highly cited scientists globally (with an H-index of 171), but he has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for Free Radical Biology and Medicine and the “Citation Laureate” award from Clarivate Analytics.
At the signing ceremony, Professor Halliwell shared the anti-aging effects of L-Ergothioneine (EGT) in the fields of oral intake, skin care, and eye care. He stated that low EGT levels were associated with various diseases, and exogenous supplementation of EGT can improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, protect dopamine neurons, and relieve eye discomfort. “I am very grateful to GeneIII Biotech for its support in the research of L-Ergothioneine, especially in the field of eye research,” emphasized by Professor Halliwell in his speech.
Chairman Ding Wei stated that this cooperation stemmed from a deep resonance between two parties. “Breakthroughs in theoretical research require large-scale and high-purity raw material support from the industrial side. Leveraging our advantage in L-Ergothioneine raw materials, we have applied it to dietary supplements, skin care products, and eye wash products, receiving positive market feedback. Official data showed that during the 618 and Double 11 shopping festivals, L-Ergothioneine capsules of GeneIII had ranked the first on the best-selling lists of Tmall Global and JD.com, and topped the search list for L-Ergothioneine on the Xiaohongshu platform.”
Ding Wei revealed that a series of scientific research projects on L-Ergothioneine are set to launch, particularly focusing on the benefits of L-Ergothioneine in the field of eye health.
III. Reshaping Industry Benchmarks with Pharmaceutical-Grade IIT Clinical Research to Overcome the Dilemma of Efficacy Verification
“Make products with the meticulous craftsmanship of pharmaceutical manufacturing to establisha drug–like trust.” – Ding Wei
While the beauty, personal care, and dietary supplement industries still rely on laboratory data for marketing, GeneIII Biotech is venturing into the “Depopulated Zone” of efficacy verification with pharmaceutical-grade rigor.
It is reported that in the field of eye wash applications, GeneIII Biotech is the first enterprise in the industry to conduct an IIT clinical trial for eye wash (IIT: Investigator-Initiated Trial). The trial results showed that after using GeneIII’s L-Ergothioneine eye wash, the scores of the dry eye questionnaire scale at the end of the trial, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, and the visual fatigue scale score were all significantly reduced among the subjects. The first tear film break-up time and the average tear film break-up time was both significantly higher than the mean values of the baseline period.
In the field of dietary supplements, GeneIII Biotech is currently conducting clinical trials on L-Ergothioneine capsules in collaboration with Grade-A tertiary hospitals. The results of the stage-by-stage analysis show that aspartate aminotransferase level, alanine aminotransferase level, gamma-glutamyl transferase level and other liver function indicators were all significantly reduced after the subjects supplemented with L-Ergothioneine of GeneIII for 15 and 30 days. These findings suggest that L-Ergothioneine has a certain protective effect on the liver.
IV. Industry Integration: Reshape the Industrial Value Chain and Rejuvenate Core Value
“The inevitable path for any product to become a great commodity is to endow it with enduring commercial vitality. For the first instance, Coca–Cola is transformed from a medicinal formula into a delightful beverage;for the second instance, De Beers is associated diamonds with eternal love. I would hope that L-Ergothioneine can be empowered by the third transformation to bear the meaning of youthfulness.” – Ding Wei
The core capabilities of commercial innovation are shown in two aspects: creating value and leading consensus. The success of GeneIII Biotech stems from Ding Wei’s profound insights into the logic of industry – by mastering core technologies, promoting the industrial transformation of traditional technologies, and forming a closed-loop system of “Technology Research and Development → Industrial Production → Product Transformation → Market Expansion → Capital Operation → Continuous Innovation.” This model provides a learnable path for the industry.
During discussing the equity structure and management philosophy, Ding Wei candidly admitted that he was deeply influenced by Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei: “Only when the core employees jointly hold shares can the driving force of the team be stimulated. As the oldest member of the team, I would prefer to gather the enthusiasm of all employees for the cause through leadership and exemplary actions.”
In addition, Ding Wei integrated 23-year management experiences in multinational enterprises into the corporate culture of GeneIII Biotech, achieving the efficient integration of the management concepts of traditional foreign-funded enterprises and local innovative enterprises. This cultural integration not only improves organizational efficiency but also lays the foundation for the company’s globalization strategy.
The reshaping of commercial value lies not only in product innovation but also in the integration and reconstruction of the entire chain of “Research and Development – Production – Market – Capital.” Through the breakthrough of core technologies, GeneIII has transformed L-Ergothioneine from a rare ingredient into a product accessible to the general public. This process has not only created the significant commercial value but also brought new development opportunities to the entire anti-aging industry.
V. Future Outlook:Anti-aging Technology Benefits to Every Ordinary Person
“If L-Ergothioneine can only serve 1% of the high-end population, then our innovation is meaningless.” – Ding Wei
Towards the end of the exclusive interview, Ding Wei shared the long-term vision of GeneIII Biotech: Create An “Anti-aging Ecosystem” based on the core of L-Ergothioneine. In addition to continuously expanding its application scenarios, GeneIII plans to launch “L-Ergothioneine+” compound formula products. By combining Biocalth and other ingredients, it aims to create a synergistic anti-aging effect. Moreover, the company is exploring an integrated model of “Raw Materials – Products – Services”. For instance, it is collaborating with medical institutions to develop the personalized anti-aging solutions.
“Professor Halliwell’s message in the Book of L-Ergothioneine – ‘Warm respect for innovative products’ – is the greatest inspiration to our team,” Ding Wei said. “However, our true success lies in transforming the former unattainable ‘Cutting-edge Technology’ into an available daily choice for everyone.”
Professor Halliwell, the “Father of L-Ergothioneine Research”, left the message in the Book of L-Ergothioneine to GeneIII Biotech: “To warming respect and thanks for marketing of innovative products”.
Epilogue: The Rise of China’s Synthetic Biology Power From ranking among the top in the category within three years to collaborating with international academic giants, the journey of GeneIII Biotech testifies to the explosive power of Chinese enterprises in the synthetic biology track. In the blueprint drafted by Ding Wei, GeneIII aims not only to become the “Global Factory” for L-Ergothioneine but also to redefine the future of the anti-aging industry with Chinese wisdom. As Professor Halliwell aptly stated, “Science transcends national boundaries, and GeneIII has convincingly shown that innovation can emanate from every corner of the world.”
Recently, the opening ceremony of Nanjing University’s EMBA and International EMBA programs, along with the EMBA Strategic Development Seminar, was grandly held at the university’s Business School. Ding Wei, the founder and chairman of GeneIII Biotech, was reappointed as an EMBA lecturer at Nanjing University. As a representative industry mentor for Nanjing University’s master’s students, he was also invited to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony.
“I am deeply honored to be reappointed as an external lecturer for Nanjing University’s EMBA program. The last time I was appointed was in 2016, when I was still the president of A.O. Smith (China). Now, I have been an entrepreneur in the synthetic biology sector for three years, successfully leading GeneIII Biotech through its initial startup phase,” Ding Wei stated in his speech. “Over the past eight years, we have witnessed significant shifts in the global and domestic economic landscape and business environment. Some well-known companies have rapidly declined, while others, both old and new, have thrived by adapting to change. The fundamental difference between these two types of enterprises, in my view, lies in their ability to continuously learn, innovate, and stay true to their mission.”
01. Rising to Industry Leadership in Just Three Years—Bringing Ergothioneine to the Masses
As Ding Wei emphasized, in the ever-changing business world, a company’s success or failure hinges on its ability to continuously learn, innovate, and remain committed to its core values. As an EMBA lecturer, he will share his entrepreneurial journey and practical business insights with students.
Founded in 2021, GeneIII Biotech is a synthetic biology company that integrates research, production, and sales. Under Ding Wei’s leadership, the company has rapidly transitioned from the laboratory stage to becoming a world-class manufacturer of ergothioneine, achieving industry leadership in quality, production capacity, and cost efficiency. This success has transformed ergothioneine—once regarded as the “Hermès of antioxidants”—from an exclusive luxury to an affordable, widely accessible ingredient.
In 2023, GeneIII Biotech, alongside Bloomage Biotech and Giant Biogene, was listed among the Top 50 Most Valuable Synthetic Biology Companies. The same year, the company was selected as an official partner for CCTV’s “Quality China” synthetic biology segment. In 2024, it was recognized in the “Excellence in Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing” list and won the “Outstanding Enterprise in Synthetic Biology” award. Additionally, GeneIII Biotech led the development of China’s first national standard for ergothioneine raw materials, promoting its regulated use in the Chinese market and further solidifying its leadership in the industry.
Thanks to its superior raw materials, GeneIII’s ergothioneine-based consumer products quickly gained strong sales momentum and brand recognition upon launch. According to Alibaba’s Business Advisor data, GeneIII’s ergothioneine topped Tmall Global’s best-selling list for oral ergothioneine products.
Data from Alibaba Business Advisor: No.1 in oral ergothioneine sales on Tmall Global
Moreover, Xiaohongshu’s official report shows that in 2024, GeneIII Biotech ranked first in the “ergothioneine” category on Xiaohongshu’s trending searches, with market interest surging compared to the previous year.
Data from Xiaohongshu’s official report: No.1 in “ergothioneine” trending searches in 2024
Beyond oral supplements, GeneIII Biotech also pioneered the world’s first ergothioneine eye wash, featuring 5000+ PPM of ergothioneine. This product is a game-changer for people who frequently strain their eyes, wear cosmetic contact lenses, or suffer from dry eye syndrome. Impressively, within one week of launch, sales exceeded 1 million RMB ($140,000), making it one of GeneIII’s most promising new products.
02. Innovation-Driven Growth: Advancing R&D While Building a Strong Brand
At the start of his entrepreneurial journey, Ding Wei and his team faced major challenges in technology commercialization and large-scale production. To overcome these hurdles, GeneIII Biotech continuously optimized its manufacturing processes, tightly controlled costs, and implemented a comprehensive market strategy.
From the beginning, GeneIII Biotech assembled a highly motivated and professional R&D team, which has now grown to nearly 40 members. “Our lab operates 24/7 in three shifts, continuously analyzing experimental data. The entire team is focused on fermentation, purification, and scaling up production. Additionally, we develop new synthetic biological raw materials based on consumer demand. This ability to innovate quickly is what enables GeneIII Biotech to achieve rapid commercialization,” Ding Wei explained.
Over the past three years, GeneIII Biotech has integrated its technological processes across four key stages—strain construction, fermentation, purification, and industrial-scale production—creating a robust industrial chain.
Purity: GeneIII’s ergothioneine raw material has reached an unprecedented purity level of 99.99%.
Production Capacity: With a 30-ton fermentation system, the company has achieved a monthly production capacity of 3 tons, meeting global market demand.
Cost Reduction: By leveraging synthetic biology advancements, GeneIII has cut ergothioneine production costs by 90%.
While strengthening its R&D capabilities, GeneIII Biotech also prioritizes brand-building and marketing innovation. To enhance consumer awareness, the company collaborates with industry experts, independent formulators, skincare specialists, pharmacy lab directors, and top ingredient influencers. Through industry expos, corporate traceability salons, and strategic partnerships, GeneIII Biotech has deepened its engagement with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and expanded its presence in both B2B and B2C markets.
Through a combination of technological innovation, market expansion, and brand development, GeneIII Biotech has quickly evolved from a startup into an industry leader, demonstrating remarkable technical expertise and market foresight.
03. “People First, Business Second”—A Talent-Driven Organization with 60% Graduate-Level Employees
“The principle of ‘people first, business second’ is often overlooked in startups. Many founders believe they should first build the business and then hire top talent once they have sufficient funds. But I see things differently,” said Ding Wei. “To succeed in entrepreneurship, you must first assemble a core team of top-tier talent. Only with the right people can you focus on your specialty and execute effectively.”
When asked why he chose Nanjing as the headquarters for GeneIII Biotech, Ding Wei explained:
High density of universities provides a continuous talent pipeline.
Lower cost of living compared to top-tier cities makes it a better environment for talent retention.
Strong government support for tech startups creates a favorable business ecosystem.
Since its founding, GeneIII Biotech has prioritized talent acquisition and development. “Talent is the most valuable asset of any company. Technological innovation stems from the continuous emergence of outstanding professionals,” Ding Wei emphasized.
Currently, over 60% of GeneIII Biotech’s employees hold master’s or doctoral degrees, with its R&D team exclusively recruited from top-tier universities (985/211 institutions in China). This deep talent pool has solidified the company’s innovation capabilities, ensuring its long-term competitive edge.
During the 0-to-1 startup phase, GeneIII Biotech focused on hiring individuals with strong learning ability, innovation skills, teamwork, results-oriented mindset, and self-motivation. With a culture of collaboration and accountability, the team rapidly achieved technological breakthroughs and increased efficiency.
At Nanjing University’s EMBA opening ceremony, Ding Wei’s leadership provided invaluable inspiration to students embarking on their business education journey. As these EMBA students grow into future leaders, GeneIII Biotech will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, developing cutting-edge products that drive societal progress.
Recently, the 6th CMC-China Pharmaceutical Industry Expo (referred to as the “Pharmaceutical Expo”), jointly organized by Pharma Circle, the China Food and Drug Promotion Committee, and Shangshuai Business School, successfully concluded at the Suzhou International Expo Center. Concurrently, the CMC China Synthetic Biology “Scientist + Entrepreneur + Investor” Conference, hosted by Synbio Shenbo, was also held. This grand event integrated the entire industry chain, attracting over 25,000 participants, including more than 600 pharmaceutical industry leaders and experts, 350 exhibitors covering the entire pharmaceutical industry chain, representatives from over 2,000 pharmaceutical companies, and more than 5,000 decision-makers, all working together to shape the future of synthetic biological manufacturing.
During the event, the “Outstanding Synthetic Biology Enterprise” list was released. Among more than 350 participating companies, Nanjing-based synthetic biology company GeneIII stood out and won the “2024 Outstanding Synthetic Biology Enterprise” award at CMC China.
Founded in 2021, GeneIII is a synthetic biology technology company integrating R&D, production, and sales.
Founder and Chairman Ding Wei previously served as Senior Vice President of A.O. Smith Group USA, President of A.O. Smith (China) Investment Co., Ltd., and CEO of Hengjie Group. He holds over 20 original patents.
Co-founder and Chief Scientist Dr. Wang Yang holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Oregon State University and was a postdoctoral researcher in Biomedical Sciences at UIUC (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign).
In 2023, GeneIII was named to the “Top 50 Most Valuable Synthetic Biology Enterprises” alongside Bloomage Biotech and Giant Biogene. In the same year, GeneIII was selected as a synthetic biology industry partner for CCTV’s “Quality China” program.
01
Rising to the Top: GeneIII Becomes a Leading Ergothioneine Manufacturer in Just Three Years
“GeneIII was established only three years ago, yet we have rapidly industrialized the production of ergothioneine, a mitochondrial-level antioxidant, using synthetic biology technology. We can proudly say that GeneIII has become a world-class manufacturer of ergothioneine raw materials, boasting the highest quality, largest production capacity, and most competitive costs.”
These were the words of Ding Wei, founder and chairman of GeneIII, during the “Challenges in the Industrialization of Synthetic Biology” roundtable discussion. He emphasized, “Our skincare products, capsules, and especially our original ergothioneine eye wash are all formulated with a full dosage of ergothioneine, thanks to our significant cost advantage.”
Indeed, in just three years, GeneIII has achieved:
99.99% purity in its ergothioneine raw materials
A 30-ton fermentation tank with a monthly production capacity of 3 tons, meeting global supply demands
A 90% cost reduction through synthetic biology innovations
With these raw material advantages, GeneIII’s ergothioneine-based products have achieved remarkable sales success and brand influence.
Alibaba Business Advisor data shows that GeneIII has reached No.1 on Tmall International’s Ergothioneine Supplement Sales Ranking.
Xiaohongshu’s official report indicates that in 2024, GeneIII ranked No.1 in the “Ergothioneine” hot search category, reflecting its surging market presence and commercial potential.
02
GeneIII’s Original Ergothioneine Eye Wash: Over $1M Sales in 15 Days
At the event, GeneIII showcased its full range of ergothioneine products at its “Anti-Hype Market” booth, attracting over 5,000 visitors for product trials. Among them, GeneIII’s original ergothioneine eye wash became one of the hottest products.
This product is the world’s first and only eye wash infused with ergothioneine. Within just 15 days of launch, it surpassed $1 million in sales, establishing itself as a new bestseller in GeneIII’s portfolio.
“This original ergothioneine eye wash is a game-changer. After 14 years of struggling with dry eye syndrome, I finally found a real solution.” — He Rujun, GeneIII’s co-founder and VP of Raw Materials Business, during his keynote speech “Seizing the Trend—Applications and Scientific Basis of Ergothioneine”.
Why Ergothioneine for Eye Care?
Scientific research shows that the eyes contain the highest levels of ergothioneine in the body. Due to prolonged exposure to oxygen, high oxygen consumption, and intense visual activity, oxidative stress builds up, leading to eye fatigue, dryness, and even diseases.
GeneIII’s original ergothioneine eye wash contains 5000+ PPM of 99.99% pure ergothioneine. With its ultra-small 229 Dalton molecular structure, it effectively eliminates free radicals, reducing oxidative stress without the use of hormones, preservatives, or drugs.
The product has passed SGS bacterial testing, eye irritation tests, and third-party certifications, receiving strong market feedback for relieving eye fatigue, redness, and dryness.
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“People First”: A Highly Skilled R&D Team Operating 24/7
GeneIII, headquartered in Nanjing, strategically leverages the city’s high density of universities and scientific research talent. The company follows a “people first, business second” philosophy, continuously strengthening its in-house research team and collaborating with external research institutions to maintain a technological edge.
Chairman Ding Wei stated: “Nanjing offers a rich talent pool, a lower cost of living than top-tier cities, and strong government policies supporting innovation-driven enterprises.”
Currently, over 60% of GeneIII’s employees hold master’s or doctoral degrees from top Chinese universities (985/211 institutions).
The company’s laboratories operate 24/7, with a three-shift system, ensuring continuous progress in fermentation, purification, and industrial-scale production.
“We ensure that every day, new experimental data is generated, and new synthetic biological raw materials are developed to meet evolving consumer needs. This is how GeneIII rapidly commercializes its innovations.” — Ding Wei, Chairman of GeneIII
Beyond R&D, GeneIII actively invests in brand building and industry networking. The company collaborates with:
Industry experts
Independent formulators
Cosmetic scientists from top international companies
Dermatologists and pharmaceutical researchers
Leading content creators in the beauty and wellness sector
Through exhibitions, salons, lab tours, and factory visits, GeneIII educates key opinion leaders (KOLs) about ergothioneine’s unique advantages.
A Market Leader in Synthetic Biology
By integrating raw material innovation with consumer branding, GeneIII has built a stronghold in the synthetic biology sector. It has successfully established its own technology, production facilities, and marketing network.
By leading the ergothioneine market and enhancing industry awareness, GeneIII is paving the way for future innovations in synthetic biology. More companies are expected to follow GeneIII’s model, expanding the blue ocean of synthetic biological applications.
Referrence：
[1]Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol Toxicol Endocrinol. 1997 May;117(1):117-20.
[2]Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 30(5):p 441-443, Sep–Oct 1982.
Recently, the highly anticipated Fifth Time Pie Aging Intervention Forum concluded successfully in Shanghai. This grand event brought together over 1,000 anti-aging experts, scholars, and industry leaders, including renowned Singapore anti-aging advisor Brian Kennedy, Barry Halliwell (the father of free radical aging and ergothioneine theory), British billionaire and industry leader Jim Mellon, and Phil Newman, founder of the high-impact longevity platform Longevity.Technology, to discuss the latest research and industrial trends in anti-aging science.
At this, Asia’s largest anti-aging forum, the star ingredient “ergothioneine” took center stage. Among the notable participants, GeneIII, a leading international supplier of high-quality ergothioneine raw materials, made a standout appearance. GeneIII shared its cutting-edge achievements in ergothioneine research and product applications since its founding three years ago.
At the event, Barry Halliwell, professor at the National University of Singapore and pioneer of free radical aging and ergothioneine research, highly praised GeneIII’s latest advancements in ergothioneine applications. In a handwritten message, Professor Halliwell expressed his “warm respect and gratitude for the excellent promotion of this innovative product.” Reflecting Halliwell’s sentiments, ergothioneine is transitioning from theoretical research to global market applications, with Chinese biotech companies like GeneIII leading the way. Through transformative innovation and technology, GeneIII is making rare and valuable anti-aging compounds like ergothioneine more accessible to people worldwide.
01
Making “Gold-Priced” Anti-Aging Ingredients More Accessible
Achieving the Top Spot in the Ergothioneine Category in Three Years
“GeneIII Biotech has been focused on ergothioneine for three years now. We’ve turned it into something affordable for every household, striving for excellence in anti-aging and ingredient concentration. We’re committed to gaining increasing recognition within the industry and from consumers,” said Ding Wei, founder and chairman of GeneIII Biotech, in an interview with Time Pie.
In recent years, ergothioneine has become the undisputed star ingredient in anti-aging. According to data from Tmall Global, ergothioneine sales surged by 6,000% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Research shows that ergothioneine is the strongest natural antioxidant found in the human body—a small-molecule amino acid with powerful anti-oxidative effects that can directly reach mitochondria and cell nuclei to combat aging. This has made it a favorite among scientists worldwide. Professor Barry Halliwell from the National University of Singapore, regarded as the father of free radical aging and ergothioneine theory, has dedicated his life to ergothioneine research, including pioneering studies on human ergothioneine levels.
Despite extensive research with over a thousand academic papers globally, ergothioneine was once prohibitively expensive, limiting its applications. Before 2018, ergothioneine could only be extracted from rare fungi like Ganoderma, and prices reached up to $30 million. By 2021, advancements in synthetic biology brought the cost down to $300,000 per kilogram, though it remained priced as high as gold. Notably, since its founding in 2021, GeneIII Biotech, under Chairman Ding Wei and Chief Scientist Dr. Wang Yang, achieved scalable production and application of ergothioneine in just three years. GeneIII’s ergothioneine boasts a 99.99% purity, and the company operates the country’s only cGMP-standard ergothioneine production platform, with a fermentation capacity of 30 tons and monthly output of 3-5 tons, fully meeting global demand. By leveraging synthetic biology, GeneIII has also reduced ergothioneine’s raw material cost by 90%.
With its strong position in raw materials, GeneIII’s ergothioneine products quickly gained impressive sales and brand influence. Each GeneIII ergothioneine capsule contains 30 mg of ergothioneine with 99.99% purity, with 2 capsules roughly equivalent to 750 grams of fresh Ganoderma. The capsules have received positive feedback for improving sleep, boosting vitality, and delaying aging. According to Ali Business Advisor data from October 2024, GeneIII ergothioneine capsules topped Tmall Global’s best-seller, highest-rated, and repurchase lists. Additionally, GeneIII ranked as the top ergothioneine brand on the Chinese social platform Xiaohongshu in 2024, with market interest rapidly increasing year-on-year, highlighting its strong potential and commercial value.
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From Standard Setting to U.S. GRAS Certification: Driving International Market Applications for Ergothioneine
At the Fifth Time Pie Aging Intervention Forum, Professor Barry Halliwell delivered a keynote titled “The Role of Antioxidants and Free Radicals in Human Health and Disease.” He highlighted the importance of antioxidants and discussed the anti-aging benefits of ergothioneine (EGT) beyond oral beauty applications. Halliwell’s research team discovered links between low EGT levels and various diseases and found that supplementing with EGT improved symptoms of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s in animal models by protecting dopamine neurons—sparking considerable discussion.
Echoing Professor Halliwell’s presentation, GeneIII Biotech shared insights on the broad applications and scientific basis for ergothioneine in a talk titled “Riding the Wave: Applications and Scientific Evidence of Ergothioneine in Various Fields.” GeneIII’s Founding Partner and VP of Raw Materials, He Rujun, discussed EGT’s use in skincare, oral beauty supplements, and eye drops, expressing gratitude to Professor Halliwell for his contributions to ergothioneine research and application. During the event, GeneIII’s work and extensive product line deeply impressed Professor Halliwell, who signed The GeneIII Ergothioneine Book, stating, “Warm regards and thanks for excellent marketing of a novel product!”
Since its founding, GeneIII Biotech has been instrumental in advancing ergothioneine’s market applications. In the skincare sector, GeneIII helped establish China’s first industry standard, Cosmetic Ingredient Standard for Ergothioneine, in September 2023, providing clear guidelines for its regulated use in cosmetics.
In the food sector, GeneIII’s ergothioneine raw material received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification from the U.S., signifying its safety and quality in line with the FDA’s highest standards.
The GRAS expert review report on GeneIII ergothioneine highlighted its rigorous safety assessment, setting a safe serving size of 30 mg, applicable in dietary supplements like nutritional beverages, cereal bars, and coffee/tea drinks. This represents the broadest range of applications and highest additive levels in the history of GRAS certification. Additionally, based on the standard intake of 8 mg per kg of body weight, an adult weighing 60 kg has a daily EGT intake safety limit of 480 mg. This certification not only confirms the safety of GeneIII’s ergothioneine but also enhances its credibility and market acceptance in the dietary supplement industry, paving the way for international market entry.
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GeneIII’s Original Ergothioneine Eye Wash: The “Sell-Out Star” of the Time Pie Aging Intervention Forum
At the Fifth Aging Intervention Forum, GeneIII Biotech showcased a range of products featuring its proprietary ergothioneine ingredient across skincare, dietary supplements, and personal care items. This included an anti-aging serum with a luxurious 5000+ PPM ergothioneine concentration and oral capsules containing 30 mg of ergothioneine each. However, the highlight of the event was GeneIII’s innovative ergothioneine eye wash, which received high praise from international scholars and drew enthusiastic crowds eager to try it. According to GeneIII staff, “The response to GeneIII’s ergothioneine products was overwhelming, especially the eye wash—it was so popular! By the last day, all 1,000 samples we brought had been completely sold out.”
GeneIII’s ergothioneine eye wash is a global first, setting a new record with a GMV of over 2 million RMB within just 6 hours of launch, making it a true best-seller. This eye wash contains a high concentration of 5000+ PPM ergothioneine with 99.99% purity, designed to penetrate the mitochondria within eye cells for repair. Free from any medicinal or preservative ingredients, the eye wash is exceptionally gentle and non-irritating, providing an immediate “brighter vision” effect that has proven especially beneficial for people with dry eyes, those who wear contact lenses for extended periods, and individuals experiencing eye strain.
Studies have shown that ergothioneine is effective in alleviating eye fatigue and dry eye symptoms. Professor Halliwell from the National University of Singapore has demonstrated that ergothioneine is an essential component for eye health, helping to maintain the redox balance in the eyesxidative stress is implicated in numerous retinal diseases, and ergothioneine is among the most potent agents against oxidative stress, the eye wash shows great potential for use in treating retinal diseases, macular degeneration, floaters, and glaucoma .
During forum, GeneIII’s research team engaged in deep discussions with Professor Halliwell on the applications of ergothioneine, particularly in eye health. They also conducted academic exchanges with Marc P. Bernegger, an investor in longevity, Brian Kennedy, a professor at the National University of Singapore, Richard A. Miller, an international anti-aging researcher at the University of Michigan, and Professor Nazif Alic from University College London. Together, they explored ways to incorporate safe and effective anti-aging ingredients into a broader range of products.
With this collaborative spirit, GeneIII Biotech is set to join forces with global leaders in the field of anti-aging, striving to advance human health and longevity to new heights for the benefit of all humanity.
[1] Research indicates that one pound of fresh Ganoderma (Reishi mushroom) contains 40 mg of ergothioneine (0.08 mg/g, 80 mg/kg).
[2] Source: MDPI journal, National University of Singapore Life Sciences Center.
[3] Source: Jaipur Government University, “The Role of Ergothioneine, Glutathione, and Ascorbic Acid in Normal and Aged Cataract Lenses.”
Recently, the 2nd Synthetic Biology Industry Conference&Exhibition 2024 (SBC2024), organized by the Office of Development and Management of the Life Health Industry in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, and endorsed by the Chinese Society for Microbiology, was successfully concluded at the Yangtze River International Conference Center in Nanjing.
With the theme “Building for Knowledge, Building for Application,” the conference was led by three academicians, including Academician Zi-Xin Deng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Anping Zeng from the National Academy of Engineering of Germany, and Academician Guoping Zhao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The event was chaired by Professor Meijin Guo, Director of the Biochemical Process Modeling and Control Professional Committee of the Chinese Society for Microbiology and a professor at the State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology. It brought together over 100 experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs in the field of synthetic biology, attracting 3000 industry professionals to discuss and share insights, contributing to the flourishing development of the synthetic biology industry.
During the conference, GeneIII Biotech Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, stood out as the sole designated sponsor for the gala dinner of the 2nd Synthetic Biology Industry Conference&Exhibition 2024, garnering significant attention from the industry.
Leading the Benchmark of Synthetic Biology “New Quality Productivity”
International Top Manufacturer of Ergothioneine — GeneIII Biotech
GeneIII Biotech Co., Ltd., headquartered in the ancient capital of Nanjing, was co-founded two years ago by Wei Ding and Dr. Yang Wang, a postdoctoral fellow in biomedical sciences from UIUC. It is a synthetic biology technology company that integrates research, production, and sales. In just two years since its establishment, leveraging synthetic biology technology, GeneIII Biotech has risen to become an international top manufacturer of ergothioneine raw materials. It was not only listed on the Synthetic Biology Industry Value List Top 50 alongside Bloomage and Giants Bio but also successfully selected as a partner in the synthetic biology industry collaboration with CCTV’s “Quality China.”
During the roundtable discussion, Wei Ding, the founder and chairman of GeneIII Biotech, along with Duan Zhiguang, Senior Vice President & CTO of Giants Bio, Professor Yuan Qipeng from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Dr. Lu Shuhuan, Research and Development Director & Chief Scientific Officer of Cabio Biotech, and Associate Dean Gaowei Zheng from the School of Biotechnology at East China University of Science and Technology, engaged in an in-depth discussion themed “How to Utilize Synthetic Biology as a Breakthrough Pabiooint to Create ‘New Quality Productivity.'” The roundtable discussion, moderated by Professor Baishan Fang from Xiamen University, covered dimensions such as how synthetic biology can unleash “new quality productivity,” how synthetic biology can bring about changes in various industries, and how to cultivate talent in the field of synthetic biology.
“In just two and a half years, GeneIII Biotech has swiftly achieved the engineering production of ergothioneine, a mitochondrial-level antioxidant. Our first project at GeneIII Biotech is ergothioneine, and over the past two and a half years, we can proudly say that GeneIII Biotech has become an international top manufacturer of ergothioneine raw materials because we have the highest quality, maximum production capacity, and optimal cost,” shared Wei Ding, the founder and chairman of GeneIII Biotech.
Regarding how synthetic biology can bring about changes in various industries, Ding emphasized that ergothioneine was once hailed as the “Hermes of the Antioxidant World.” Two years ago, its price soared to 300,000 USD/kg. However, now, leveraging perfected techniques in strain construction, fermentation, purification, and engineering production, GeneIII Biotech has reduced the price to one-tenth of its original, allowing this precious ingredient to enter thousands of households. In the health product field, ergothioneine, when taken orally, can improve sleep, deepen sleep, and combat aging. When used in eye drops, it can improve vision and alleviate dry eyes. In the skincare field, ergothioneine brightens and revitalizes the skin, reduces fine lines, and restores a healthy complexion.
“To create products, we must strive to become the champions of niche markets. We cannot be satisfied with superficial achievements; we must achieve depth and become the leaders in niche markets,” added Wei Ding, the founder and chairman of GeneIII Biotech.
It is worth noting that with synthetic biology technology, GeneIII Biotech has achieved a purity of 99.99% for ergothioneine raw materials. Leveraging a cGMP engineering production platform, it has achieved a monthly production capacity of 3 tons, meeting the global market’s supply demands. With the advantage of raw materials, GeneIII Biotech’s skincare brand, EGT Rejuvenated Radiant Cream, and oral health product, GeneIII Ergothioneine Capsules, have received positive feedback upon their launch. According to data from the Alibaba Business Insights platform, in March of this year, GeneIII Ergothioneine ranked first in the Tmall International “Ergothioneine Category Store List” in terms of transaction index.
2B2C Dual-Drive Rapid Commercialization
Bringing Gold-Class Ergothioneine into Every Household
At the Special Forum on Innovative Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetics Applications, Dr. Yang Wang, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of GeneIII Biotech, delivered a presentation titled “Negative Carbon Biosynthesis of Ergothioneine Based on Directed Evolution.”
Dr. Wang stated that in today’s era, synthetic biology has become an integral part of national strategy. The “14th Five-Year Plan and Vision 2035 Outline” explicitly lists synthetic biology as one of the forefront areas of technology. It not only nurtures new changes in the field of life sciences but also points the way forward for future technological development. As an active explorer in this field, GeneIII Biotech is committed to promoting the production and application of ergothioneine through synthetic biology technology, bringing revolutionary innovation to the medical aesthetics and cosmetics industries.
During the speech, Dr. Wang shared the principles of ergothioneine’s role in “mitochondrial-level anti-aging” from the perspective of anti-aging science. He explained, “Long-term aerobic respiration fills mitochondria with free radicals. After mitochondrial damage reaches a certain level, mitochondrial cells release signaling molecules for cell death, participating in regulating the life and death decisions of cells. Ergothioneine is the only intelligent antioxidant with a clear mechanism that can enter cells and mitochondria to remove free radicals. How to benefit the public and make it more widely used is a challenge for molecular biologists. In the pursuit of this challenge and through reflection, we have gained more and more information.”
As Dr. Wang mentioned, for a long time, ergothioneine has not been widely used due to its complex extraction process and high raw material costs. It is reported that initially, ergothioneine was extracted from mushrooms, with only 40mg of ergothioneine contained in 1 kg of Ganoderma lucidum. Therefore, even international skincare brands could only achieve “conceptual addition.”
“We need to control gene expression and find metabolic pathways because the original protein structure cannot meet industrial production requirements. With the support of synthetic biology technology, we have established a platform for chromosome editing systems. They are like computers that can produce what we want by re-editing these ‘software.’ Through fermentation, purification, and engineering production, we achieve a purity of 99.99%, allowing ergothioneine, this precious ingredient, to be abundantly added to skincare products and oral health products, and brought into ordinary households,” said Dr. Wang.
Gathering Elites, Shaping the Future
“GeneIII Biotech Night” Illuminates a New Chapter in Synthetic Biology
At the climax of the 2024 Synthetic Biology Industry Expo, the “GeneIII Biotech Night” banquet, as the sole designated sponsor of the gala dinner for this expo, was hosted by Professor Meijin Guo from East China University of Science and Technology, bringing together over 100 distinguished figures in the field of synthetic biology.
At the banquet, Wei Ding, the founder and chairman of GeneIII Biotech, shared the company’s development history and future vision. He also sought new directions for synthetic biology research and development from industry experts present, hoping to work together with colleagues in the industry to promote innovation and development in synthetic biology.
Mr. Ding stated that GeneIII Biotech is not only constantly breaking through in products and technologies but also committed to building an open academic exchange platform. GeneIII Biotech sincerely invites experts and scholars to come to Nanjing and GeneIII Biotech, participate in salon seminars, and jointly explore cutting-edge topics in synthetic biology, promoting the deep integration of industry, academia, and research. “GeneIII Biotech Night” is not only a celebration of achievements in the field of synthetic biology but also the starting point for in-depth dialogue and cooperation within the industry.
With the successful conclusion of the 2024 2nd Synthetic Biology Industry Expo, we have reason to believe that the future of synthetic biology will be brighter, and GeneIII Biotech will continue to play a leading role in this field, contributing more to human health and sustainable development.
