Helicore Biopharma, a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing first-in-class glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) antagonists for obesity and related conditions, announced its emergence from stealth mode with $65 million in Series A financing. This funding round was co-led by founding investor Versant Ventures and by OrbiMed, with participation from Longitude Capital and Wellington Management.
Helicore’s most advanced asset, HCR-188, is a clinical-stage monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to bind GIP. The company’s portfolio includes GIP antibody conjugates, including GLP-1 and other combinations, designed to address specific obesity subpopulations.
Helicore’s approach utilizes insights from human genetics, proprietary preclinical data, and third-party clinical studies to design compelling target product profiles. Individuals carrying genetic loss-of-function mutations in either GIP or GIPR are protected from obesity and exhibit lean phenotypes thought to arise from diminished GIP/GIPR-mediated triglyceride uptake in adipocytes (fat cells).
Helicore has studied HCR-188 in combination with GLP-1 in preclinical models to connect human genetics with postulated biological pathways of GIP antagonism. Initial results of these studies suggest preferential loss of fat over lean mass, potentially enabling a higher quality of weight loss than can be achieved with GLP-1 alone. Unlike receptor-focused GIPR antagonists, HCR-188 binds circulating GIP ligand, which is expressed exclusively by K cells in the small intestine. In contrast, GIPR is expressed throughout the body, including in fat and deep brain structures.
By antagonizing GIP in the periphery and blocking transit to the central nervous system, Helicore’s compounds could uniquely prevent GIP signaling in the brain while potentially restoring leptin sensitivity that may support increased satiety and reduced consumption and fat deposition. The inhibition of GIP has additionally demonstrated cardiometabolic benefits —particularly when combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The company is headed by President and CEO Gerrit Klaerner, Ph.D., a veteran of the biopharma industry who previously founded and held executive roles at Ilypsa (acquired by Amgen), Relypsa (acquired by Galenica), and Tricida. Klaus Veitinger, M.D., Ph.D., serves as Chairman of the Board and has extensive experience guiding private and public biopharma companies.
Helicore’s R&D activities are supported by protein engineering capabilities at Ridgeline, Versant’s discovery engine based in Switzerland.
KEY QUOTES:
“Recent scientific advances have fundamentally changed our understanding of obesity and the conditions associated with it. Current treatments, though impactful, often fall short of addressing the complex, long-term needs of patients. By targeting GIP directly, we’ve rapidly advanced a differentiated portfolio that may deliver superior treatment outcomes through enhanced efficacy, tolerability, and convenient dosing regimens.”
- Gerrit Klaerner, Ph.D., President and CEO of Helicore
“As we advance novel therapeutics for obesity, we must take a comprehensive view of patient needs. Helicore’s novel approach is backed by robust evidence and could offer cardiometabolic benefits alongside quality weight loss and improved tolerability when combined with GLP-1. This opens the door to reaching patient populations overlooked by therapies that focus solely on weight reduction as the primary marker of improvement.”
- Carlo Rizzuto, Ph.D., Managing Director at Versant and Helicore Board Member
“Helicore has assembled an experienced and well-respected group of company builders with a proven track record in advancing novel therapeutics through clinical development. The company is poised to make rapid progress in 2025 advancing HCR-188 as well as an exciting portfolio of antibody conjugates already under development that have long-term value-creating potential.”
• ⁃ Rishi Gupta, J.D., Partner at OrbiMed and Helicore Board Member
