METiS TechBio is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focusing on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.
Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nano delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.
METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives.
Unlocking a Healthier World Through AI-Driven Nanotechnology
METiS is a transformative pioneer in nanomaterial innovation.
Harness AI to create revolutionary nanomaterials and drive targeted delivery. Open the door to a healthier future - for everyone.
Dr. Chris Lai brings extensive cross-disciplinary experience spanning frontline scientific research and corporate strategic management, overseeing the R&D and strategic growth of METiS’ AI technology platforms.
He is a recipient of the MIT Innovation Award in Clean Energy and Water Treatment and the founder of AquaFresco, a pioneering water-tech company. Dr. Lai previously served as a strategic consultant at McKinsey & Company, advising leading global pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Lai holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Novartis–MIT Center for Continuous Manufacturing.
Dr. Hongming Chen was elected a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2018 and is a veteran scientist in the field of drug delivery.
She leads METiS TechBio's R&D programs, guiding the team with relentless scientific passion and rigor.
She previously co-founded Kala Pharmaceuticals, leading the development of nanoparticle-based therapies through FDA approval and a successful IPO on NASDAQ. She also helped to establish TransForm Pharmaceuticals, which was later acquired by Johnson & Johnson.
Dr. Chen earned her Ph.D. at MIT under the mentorship of Bob Langer, MIT Institute Professor and widely regarded as the father of modern drug delivery.
Dr. Wenshou Wang leads the development of METiS TechBio's AI-driven drug formulation and delivery platforms and oversees day-to-day operations in China.
He has over 10 years of R&D experience in artificial intelligence, polymer synthesis, and innovative materials development, and previously served as a research scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL).During that time, he developed the first machine learning-enabled 3D printer and subsequently co-founded Inkbit, an AI-powered 3D printing company.
Dr. Wang holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and completed postdoctoral research in Chemistry at the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Alan Fu brings over 20 years of distinguished experience across capital markets, financial management, legal practice, and scientific research. Prior to joining METiS, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IASO Biotechnology. Before that, he was Managing Director at Haitong International and Director at Citigroup Global Markets, where he led over twenty successful IPOs and capital market transactions for Chinese companies in Hong Kong and the U.S., including many in the technology and the healthcare sectors. Prior to investment banking, he worked in the Hong Kong office of Davis Polk and the Palo Alto office of Skadden Arps, focusing on capital markets and intellectual property transactions. Dr. Fu also worked as research scientist in Rigel Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: RIGL) in South San Francisco.
Dr. Wei Xu heads METiS’ Drug Discovery Department, responsible for advancing high-value mRNA-based therapeutic pipelines to the clinical stage.
Dr. Xu possesses a strong academic background and extensive industry experience across immunology, oncology, and cell therapy. Prior to joining METiS, he served as CSO at Numab Therapeutics (Switzerland), where he drove and executed the overall research strategy while managing the discovery, CMC, and translational medicine teams. Before Numab, he was Vice President and Head of New Drug Biology & Translational Medicine at Innovent Biologics (Suzhou), where he established the Guoqing Academy, building teams in research biology, translational medicine, and cell therapy. He was instrumental in establishing innovative drug discovery capabilities, moving from a “Me-too” to a FIC/BIC approach. His earlier industry training was highlighted by his seven-year tenure at Roche (USA/Switzerland) in immunology and oncology discovery divisions, where he led four pipelines from early discovery into clinical development.
Dr. Xu holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from Leiden University Medical Center (Netherlands) and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (USA).
Mark Herbert is responsible for driving METiS’ global business development and commercialization strategy.
Mark Herbert is a highly experienced executive with over 20 years of experience. Before joining METiS, he served as President at Arcturus, where he led deep collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, Takeda and CureVac on platform and mRNA pipeline collaborations, generating over $2 billion in partnership value. He also held roles as VP of Business Development at Varda Space Industries, Chief Business Officer at Scientists.com, and served on the boards of multiple biotech companies.
Mark Herbert holds a M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Indiana University.