Brii Bio, a startup committed to serving patients' needs and improving public health in China, recently announced its launch with significant partnerships and financing. The China-US startup has raised $260 million in initial capital to bring innovative drugs to China. The funding was led by ARCH Venture Partners, 6 Dimensions Capital, Boyu Capital, Yunfeng Capital, Sequoia Capital and Blue Pool Capital.

Brii, which plans to combine partnerships, R&D and digital/big data, will use WuXi AppTec and WuXi biologics for development of its projects, rather than building its own facilities.

A partnership with Vir, a leading U.S.-based biotech focused on infectious diseases, grants Brii Bio options on exclusive greater China rights for up to four assets in Vir's portfolio. This therapeutic pipeline holds the potential to prevent, treat and cure a wide range of infectious diseases.

The startup has also entered into a first-of-its-kind digital and data insight partnership with AliHealth, the healthcare arm of Alibaba Group to collaborate and explore disruptive approaches to optimize clinical and commercial development efforts by capturing value evidence and improving patients' experience with new therapies. This partnership will also explore ways to accelerate the uptake of new medicines and support appropriate use of new medicines.