October 26, 2016

Via EDGAR

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Division of Corporation Finance

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20549

Attn: Suzanne Hayes

Ladies and gentlemen:

In accordance with Rule 461 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., hereby joins Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. in requesting that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) take appropriate action to cause the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-211249) (the “Registration Statement”) to become effective on Friday, October 28, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

Pursuant to Rule 460 under the Act, please be advised that we will take reasonable steps to secure adequate distribution of the preliminary prospectus, to underwriters, dealers, institutions and others, prior to the requested effective time of the Registration Statement.

We will comply, and have been informed by the participating underwriters that they will comply, with the requirements of Rule 15c2-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to the extent applicable.