Inside the one-time treatment that could cure an ‘incurable’ eye disease

Nov 05, 2025

Cover Hong Kong biotechnology start-up GeneEditBio specialises in ‘DNA surgery’, which uses gene-editing tools to fix faulty genes inside the body (Photo: Getty Images)

Hong Kong biotechnology start-up GeneEditBio specialises in ‘DNA surgery’, which uses gene-editing tools to fix faulty genes inside the body (Photo: Getty Images)

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Hong Kong biotechnology start-up GeneEditBio just dosed its first patient with a gene-editing therapy that fixes DNA from the inside—no cell extraction required

The rare genetic condition TGFBI corneal dystrophy causes abnormal protein deposits to build up in the cornea, gradually clouding it and reducing vision. Current treatments, such as laser removal of deposits or corneal transplants, only provide temporary relief, as the underlying genetic defect remains. There is no cure.

At least, not yet—but that might be about to change. In May this year, Hong Kong-headquartered biotechnology start-up GeneEditBio dosed its first patient suffering from the disease with its drug GEB-101. Designed as a one-time treatment, it uses Crispr-Cas genome-editing technology to correct the genetic mutation that causes the disease. This treatment is part of an investigator-initiated trial (IIT) in collaboration with the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai. The company says the patient has been discharged from the hospital with no observable adverse effects.

Above Zhu discussed the current state and future of cell and gene therapy at the 2024 Frontier Drug R&D Forum in Beijing (Photo: GenEditBio/LinkedIn)

Zhu discussed the current state and future of cell and gene therapy at the 2024 Frontier Drug R&D Forum in Beijing (Photo: GenEditBio/LinkedIn)

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GeneEditBio, co-founded in 2021 by Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow Tian Zhu, specialises in “DNA surgery”— using genome-editing tools to fix faulty genes inside the body. Unlike most such therapies that edit cells outside the body, an approach known as ex vivo, the start-up opts for in vivo delivery of gene-editing materials into targeted patient cells, using its proprietary technologies. Zhu believes in vivo therapies make gene-editing treatments more accessible because they bypass the 40 complex, costly process of removing and engineering cells individually before reinfusion. She describes it as an “elegant and precise” approach that enables a one-time cure rather than ongoing treatment.

The start-up is also developing therapies for other rare diseases, with details yet to be disclosed, aiming to offer new treatment options to patients with limited alternatives. Its ambition has resonated with investors: GeneEditBio is backed by the top-tier Chinese venture capital firm Qiming Venture Partners, life science-focused private equity firm Fangyuan Capital and the Hong Kong government’s Innovation and Technology Venture Fund. It operates across Hong Kong, Beijing and Boston, and is now preparing for a Series A fundraising round to expand clinical trials and advance additional therapies.

Speeding toward cures

Originally set on a career in law, Zhu shifted course after her father’s cancer diagnosis showed her the limits of conventional treatment. “I found that surgeries could not cure the cancer,” she recalls. “I felt like I was given the mission to do this kind of work, to treat more people.”

This sense of purpose led her to pursue a doctoral degree in pharmaceutics and drug design at the University of Illinois Chicago in 2008. She then spent nearly a decade in R&D, business development and global partnerships at Chinese pharmaceutical companies Betta Pharmaceuticals and Jacobio Pharma.

Later, she connected with her future co-founder, Zongli Zheng, a genome-editing expert and associate professor in the department of biomedical sciences at the City University of Hong Kong. Together, they decided to launch GeneEditBio, united by a vision of accessible medical cures for rare diseases.

Above A doctor performing a cornea transplant on a patient with Reis-Buckler syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes disintegration of the Bowman’s layer of the cornea (Photo: Getty Images)

A doctor performing a cornea transplant on a patient with Reis-Buckler syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes disintegration of the Bowman’s layer of the cornea (Photo: Getty Images)

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Developing a drug in the biotech industry typically takes a decade or more; GeneEditBio has gone from inception to first patient dosed in just four years. As CEO, Zhu fosters company alignment to accelerate what is often a long, uncertain journey. “It’s like we are in the same boat,” she says. “Everyone needs to know where the boat is going.” From company-wide town halls to cross-departmental teams, she aims to build a transparent, execution- focused culture that keeps projects on track in a highly competitive field.

Zhu believes the timing for in vivo gene-editing therapies is right, with the field moving into a stage when treatments are beginning to show real potential in patients. Her advice to other biotech founders is equally straightforward: “Persist and dig deep.” For Zhu, the only way to turn bold visions into lasting cures is to build a strong scientific foundation and stay the course through the cycles of an unforgiving industry.

Quicktakes

We ask Tian Zhu a quick-fire round of questions to discover what makes her tick beyond the lab.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about gene-editing?

TZ: That gene-editing for drug development is unethical. It’s not.

What do you do to destress from work?

TZ: I like calligraphy and archery. I enjoy hobbies that allow me to focus because they help me destress.

What’s a book or film you enjoy?

TZ: I don’t read or watch movies that much, but I love music. Classical music is my favourite—I listen to Guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument—but I also enjoy jazz. Actually, I listen to a lot of music; my taste is very broad and versatile.

If you weren’t building your current company, what would you be doing?

TZ: I cannot imagine doing anything else. This is a lifelong pursuit for me. After building this biotechnology company, I might want to contribute to a broader system, perhaps the ecosystem around healthcare, such as its regulation.

What advice would you give your younger self?

TZ: I’m quite satisfied with my younger self and the path I’ve chosen. Maybe I would tell her to experience and explore more.

Now, meet more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow from the Healthcare and Sciences sector.

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Yoyo Chow

Editor, Power & Purpose, Hong Kong, Tatler Hong Kong

Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.

Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.