Hyderabad-based biotech startup Utopia Therapeutics has raised $1.5 million in seed funding from Whale Tank to accelerate the development of next-generation vaccines targeting chronic metabolic diseases, with a primary focus on obesity.
The newly secured capital will support the preclinical development of Utopia’s lead immunotherapeutic candidate, UT009, and enable the company to move toward regulatory toxicology studies, IND-enabling milestones, and Phase I human clinical trials, Utopia Therapeutics announced in a press release.
Tackling Obesity Through Novel Vaccines
Founded in 2024 by Uday Saxena and Gopi Kadiyala, Utopia Therapeutics is working to develop first-in-class vaccines that address obesity and related metabolic disorders using innovative scientific approaches. Unlike current drug-based treatments that primarily manage symptoms, Utopia’s UT009 aims to address the root causes of weight gain.
“Obesity is a global epidemic with limited long-term therapeutic solutions,” said co-founders Uday Saxena and Gopi Kadiyala. “UT009 represents a paradigm shift in obesity treatment, focusing on the core biological drivers rather than temporary management. This funding allows us to swiftly progress toward clinical validation and real-world impact.”
Technology and Future Plans
UT009 is designed to target lipid-associated antigens to reduce fat accumulation and improve overall metabolic health. The company’s innovative vaccine platform aims to deliver durable, disease-modifying solutions for patients with obesity—a growing global health concern.
Utopia Therapeutics also plans to scale up its UT018-based regenerative product line, which focuses on GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)-qualified, non-pharmaceutical applications, further diversifying its pipeline.
With this funding, Utopia is set to accelerate its roadmap toward commercialization, positioning itself as a pioneering player in the immunotherapy-driven obesity treatment landscape.