On January 28, 2025, Helicore Biopharma, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of first-in-class glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) antagonists for obesity and related conditions, emerged from stealth with $65 million in Series A financing. The round was co-led by founding investor Versant Ventures and by OrbiMed, with participation from Longitude Capital and Wellington Management. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Versant Ventures and OrbiMed on the transaction.

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.

The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Versant Ventures and OrbiMed on the transaction includes:

Corporate
Karen Deschaine
Phil McGill
Tim Conroy

Finance and Structured Finance
Erin Fay

For more information, please see Helicore's news release. Additional coverage can be found on BioSpace, BioPharma Dive, and Fierce Biotech.