Versant Ventures' latest obesity-focused biotech, Helicore Biopharma, has emerged with $65 million in Series A funding, aiming to improve weight loss quality through human genetics. The company's lead candidate, HCR-188, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), is slated to enter clinical trials this year, with initial results expected in the second half of 2025.
Targeting GIP for Obesity Treatment
Helicore is focusing its efforts on GIP, a molecule implicated in promoting obesity. Genetic studies have revealed that loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding GIP or its receptors confer protection against obesity. Individuals with these genetic alterations exhibit "lean phenotypes," believed to be driven by GIP-mediated triglyceride uptake in fat cells. Gerrit Klaerner, CEO of Helicore, stated that their GIP-focused approach will lead to "superior treatment outcomes through enhanced efficacy, tolerability, and convenient dosing regimens."
Differentiating in a Crowded Market
Helicore is one of several new biotechs entering the competitive obesity market. To distinguish itself, Helicore is developing GIP antibody conjugates, including combinations with GLP-1 therapies, to target specific subpopulations of obese individuals. This approach is based on proprietary clinical data and insights from human genetics.
Preclinical Evidence of Preferential Fat Loss
Preclinical studies evaluating HCR-188 in combination with GLP-1 therapies suggest that the anti-GIP antibody can induce "preferential loss of fat over lean mass." Maintaining lean mass during weight loss is a significant challenge in obesity treatment, and several companies are now focusing on achieving higher-quality weight loss. For instance, Veru Inc. recently reported that patients taking enobosarm with Wegovy experienced 71% less lean mass loss compared to those on Wegovy alone.
Financial Backing and Future Plans
In addition to Versant Ventures, Helicore is backed by OrbiMed, which co-led the Series A funding. Longitude Capital and Wellington Management also participated in the financing round. Helicore's pipeline includes other GIP-targeting assets, positioning the company to address various aspects of obesity management.
