Hyd-Based Biotech Startup Helex Raises $3.5 Mn Seed Funding led by pi Ventures

The startup is developing a new generation of genomic medicines for high-burden kidney diseases using advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology.

In a major boost to precision medicine for kidney health, Hyderabad-based biotech startup Helex has raised $3.5 million in an oversubscribed seed round led by pi Ventures, with participation from Bluehill Capital, SOSV, and a global syndicate of investors. With this, Helex’s total funding now stands at over $6 million.

The startup is developing a new generation of genomic medicines for high-burden kidney diseases using advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology. This approach delivers genetic payloads directly to kidney cells, one of the toughest challenges in drug delivery.

The latest funding is expected to help Helex speed up preclinical development of its lead program for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), refine its proprietary kidney-tropic LNP delivery platform, and expand its Epic-Cure 3D genome-based drug design system to target other kidney conditions.

Incubated at ASPIRE-BioNEST, University of Hyderabad, Helex is pioneering non-viral, programmable LNP therapeutics designed specifically for the kidney. Its data-driven deep learning platform integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and sequencing insights to create and verify precise gRNA-based treatments.

Helex was founded in 2021 by Dr. Poulami Chaudhuri (CEO), Rohini Kalvakuntla (CBO), and Anirudh Nishtala (COO), three long-time collaborators with expertise in genome editing, molecular biology, drug development, and healthcare strategy. Together, they aim to make kidney-targeted genetic therapies both transformative and accessible.

The company’s lead program addresses ADPKD, a progressive genetic disorder affecting more than 12 million people worldwide and nearly 5% of chronic kidney disease patients in India. Current treatments focus only on symptom control, leaving patients with few long-term solutions.

“This is more than a new treatment; it’s a new hope,” said Dr. Poulami Chaudhuri, co-founder and CEO of Helex.

“For far too long, patients with ADPKD have had to rely only on symptom management, with no true disease-modifying options. We wish to change that. By enabling targeted delivery of genomic medicines directly to the kidney, we are working to develop a transformative therapy that is also accessible and affordable for every patient who needs it. This seed round marks just the beginning of our journey.”

Echoing the vision, Roopan Aulakh, Managing Partner at pi Ventures, said, “ADPKD represents a significant unmet medical need, with current treatments limited to symptom management and not effective for all patients. Gene therapies are emerging as one of the most promising frontiers in medicine. Helex’s first-in-class mechanism of action has the potential to be a curative therapy and positions the company to build a differentiated pipeline of therapies for kidney diseases. We are thrilled to back this world-class team.”

With its novel approach and strategic funding, Helex is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation therapeutics, where advanced science meets targeted precision to redefine kidney care.

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