Helico develops plant-based production models for biologics and biosimilars using computational biology and machine learning algorithms to enhance protein expression and yield. This approach addresses the high costs and lengthy timelines associated with traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing by enabling localized, scalable production of essential medicines.
Funding
$2.1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing methods for biologics and biosimilars are often characterized by high costs and extended production timelines. This can limit the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure.
Solution
Helico is developing a plant-based production platform, BioVerge, for biologics and biosimilars, leveraging computational biology and machine learning to optimize protein expression and yield. Their approach uses plants as "factories" for medicinal compounds, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional manufacturing. BioVerge comprises SeqOptima, a sequence optimization technology, and Verdantix, a plant model enhanced for optimal protein production. Helico's computational platform facilitates synthetic biology research, enabling the production of previously unproducible drugs and accelerating the development and validation process. The company designs plant-based biosynthesis pathways to improve the levels and quality of transgenic protein in plant hosts, enhancing existing pathways and creating novel biochemical paths in plant environments.
Target Audience
Helico's primary customers include pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech firms seeking cost-effective and scalable production of biologics and biosimilars, as well as organizations interested in licensing plant-based production models.
Features
- BioVerge platform optimized for high-yield biologics manufacturing
- SeqOptima sequence optimization technology
- Verdantix plant model enhanced for optimal protein production
- Proprietary computational platform for synthetic biology research using modeling tools and AI-based prediction algorithms
- Mutational screening algorithms to predict the best method of inducing plant-based drug accumulation
- Development of fast-tracked stable plant lines that express the compound of interest
- Selection of optimal host plant, cellular compartment, and timeline for expression
- Optimization of plant physiology to improve plant growth rate, plant tissue mass, and target molecule yield