Helix Company Profile

Background

Overview

Helix is a leading population genomics company founded in 2015, headquartered in San Mateo, California. The company specializes in integrating genomic data into healthcare, medical research, and life sciences, enabling personalized and effective healthcare at scale. Helix's platform accelerates the use of genomic data for patient care and therapeutic development.

Mission and Vision

Helix's mission is to empower health systems, life sciences companies, and payers to integrate genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. The company's vision is to advance genomic research and accelerate the integration of genomic data into clinical care, thereby improving health outcomes and advancing precision medicine.

Primary Area of Focus

Helix focuses on personal genomics and citizen science, offering a marketplace that provides applications created by approved partners. The company handles sample collection, DNA sequencing, and secure data storage, while partners develop on-demand products.

Industry Significance

As a pioneer in population genomics, Helix plays a crucial role in advancing personalized medicine by providing comprehensive genomic data integration solutions. Its contributions are significant in enhancing the understanding of genetic factors in health and disease, thereby influencing clinical practices and public health policies.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Integration of Genomic Data: Facilitate the incorporation of genomic information into healthcare systems to enhance patient care and therapeutic development.

• Advancement of Genomic Research: Support and accelerate genomic research initiatives to uncover insights into human genetics and its impact on health.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Utilize advanced sequencing technologies to provide comprehensive genomic data.

• Bioinformatics: Employ sophisticated bioinformatics tools to analyze and interpret complex genomic data.

• Population Health: Focus on large-scale genomic studies to understand genetic variations across diverse populations.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Exome+™ Assay: A proprietary assay developed by Helix that sequences a comprehensive set of protein-coding genes and additional regions of interest, providing extensive genomic data.

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Advanced sequencing technologies used to process and analyze genomic samples.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Healthcare Systems: Integrate genomic data into clinical workflows to improve patient outcomes.

• Life Sciences Companies: Provide genomic insights to support drug discovery and development.

• Public Health Organizations: Utilize genomic data for epidemiological studies and public health decision-making.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

Helix has raised a total of $403 million in funding.

Recent Funding Rounds

• Series D: In March 2018, Helix raised $200 million to expand its genomics testing marketplace.

Notable Investors

• Kleiner Perkins: A prominent venture capital firm known for investing in innovative healthcare and technology companies.

• Mayo Clinic: A leading nonprofit American academic medical center.

• Temasek: A Singaporean investment company.

• Warburg Pincus: A global private equity firm.

• DFJ Growth: A venture capital firm focusing on growth-stage investments.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended to support the expansion of Helix's genomics testing marketplace, enhance its technological infrastructure, and accelerate the integration of genomic data into healthcare systems.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• L-DOS47: A therapeutic candidate developed using Helix's proprietary DOS47 technology, targeting the tumor microenvironment to reduce acidity and enhance anti-tumor immune response.

• V-DOS47: Another candidate utilizing the DOS47 platform, focusing on different aspects of tumor biology to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

• L-DOS47: Completed extensive preclinical testing and manufacturing development. Regulatory approvals have been obtained for Phase I/II clinical studies in Poland, a Phase I combination study in the United States, and a Phase II combination study in Ukraine and Poland.

• V-DOS47: In the early stages of development, with ongoing preclinical studies to assess its therapeutic potential.

Target Conditions

• L-DOS47: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and advanced pancreatic cancer.

• V-DOS47: Various cancers, with specific indications under investigation.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• L-DOS47: Initiation of clinical trials in the United States and Europe, with results expected in the coming years.

• V-DOS47: Completion of preclinical studies and progression to clinical trials anticipated within the next few years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Exome+™ Assay: Helix's proprietary assay that sequences a comprehensive set of protein-coding genes and additional regions of interest, providing extensive genomic data.

• DOS47 Platform: A technology designed to target the tumor microenvironment by reducing acidity, an escape mechanism that cancer cells utilize to evade the anti-tumor immune response.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Advanced sequencing technologies used to process and analyze genomic samples.

• Bioinformatics: Sophisticated tools and algorithms employed to interpret complex genomic data.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Helix leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze large-scale genomic data, identify patterns, and predict health outcomes, thereby enhancing the precision and effectiveness of its genomic services.

Leadership Team

James Lu: Co-Founder and CEO of Helix. James has a background in biomedical engineering and has been instrumental in Helix's growth and strategic direction.

Scott Burke: Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. Scott brings expertise in business development and strategic partnerships, contributing to Helix's expansion and market presence.

Justin Kao: Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer. Justin's experience in technology and engineering has been pivotal in developing Helix's technological platforms and services.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The population genomics and precision health industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in sequencing technologies, decreasing costs, and increasing recognition of the role of genetics in health and disease. This growth presents opportunities for companies like Helix to expand their services and impact.

Competitor Analysis

• Oxford Nanopore: A UK-based company specializing in portable DNA and RNA sequencing technologies. Oxford Nanopore competes with Helix in the genomics space, offering alternative sequencing solutions.

• 23andMe: A consumer genetics and research company that provides direct-to-consumer genetic testing services. While 23andMe focuses on consumer genetic testing, it operates in the broader genomics industry, overlapping with Helix's market.

• Nabsys: A biotechnology research company specializing in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. Nabsys competes with Helix in providing genomic data solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Helix has established significant collaborations, including:

• National Geographic Society: Partnered in 2016 to sequence DNA for the Genographic Project, contributing to large-scale genomic research.

• Desert Research Institute and Renown Institute of Health Innovation: Collaborated in 2018 to support the Healthy Nevada Project, offering free genomic sequencing to 40,000 residents for health research.

Operational Insights

Helix's strategic focus on integrating genomic data into healthcare systems positions it uniquely in the market. Its proprietary technologies, such as the Exome+™ assay and DOS47 platform, provide competitive advantages in delivering comprehensive genomic insights and innovative therapeutic solutions.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Helix is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for personalized medicine and genomic data integration in healthcare.