Poulami Chaudhuri (Helex)
Overview
Poulami Chaudhuri is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Helex Bio, a biotechnological startup focusing on the advancement of genomic medicines for genetic diseases. With a significant background in lipid nanoparticle-based delivery systems and a passion for genetic research, Chaudhuri has leveraged her expertise to make significant strides in the field of gene therapy. Helex Bio aims to tackle complex genetic disorders through precision and safety in gene editing technologies, particularly utilizing CRISPR-Cas9. The company is particularly noted for its development of non-viral delivery mechanisms that target specific genetic issues with great accuracy.
Recent Developments
In the past few years, Poulami Chaudhuri and her company, Helex Bio, have made several critical advancements in the biotech field:
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October 2025: Helex Bio successfully raised $3.5 million in a seed funding round led by pi Ventures. This funding will support the development of non-viral gene therapies for kidney diseases such as Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). The company is developing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) therapies that deliver genetic material directly to renal cells, marking a significant step forward in the treatment of chronic kidney conditions.
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March 2023: Poulami received recognition for her leadership and innovation in the biotech industry with the Science & Technology Pioneer Award. Her insights into the challenges of precision and safety in CRISPR technology were instrumental in shaping Helex's innovative platform.
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2024: The company aimed to file a patent for a new investigational drug leveraging gene therapies aimed at complex genetic diseases. This drug is part of their broader initiative to transition from lab research to real-world applications, focusing on rare genetic disorders.
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2023: Under Chaudhuri's leadership, Helex partnered with larger biopharmaceutical companies to broaden its research and development activities, targeting diseases with a genetic base worldwide. This includes strategic focuses not only in the US but also significant operations in India, supported by local research labs.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Poulami Chaudhuri |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, Helex Bio |
| Known For | Leadership in gene therapy and biotechnology innovations |
| Education | PhD Molecular Biology, King’s College London |
Early Life and Education
Poulami Chaudhuri was significantly influenced by her background in molecular biology. She pursued her PhD in Molecular Biology at King’s College London, where she developed a strong foundation in bioinformatics and non-viral delivery systems—an area she would continue to advance throughout her career. During her time at King’s College, she focused on using peptide-based vectors for siRNA delivery, especially targeting cancer therapies. This period of her academic career was pivotal as it laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in biotechnology.
After completing her PhD, Chaudhuri continued her research in genomics at TCS Innovation Labs in India, where she delved further into epigenetics and the 3D genome structure of human cells. This postdoctoral experience was instrumental in shaping her approach to drug development, particularly leading to her role in developing the Epic-Cure™ drug design platform at Helex.
Career and Notable Achievements
After completing her educational journey, Chaudhuri embarked on a career focused on the translation of genomic research into practical therapies.
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TCS Innovation Labs: As a postdoctoral fellow, she delved into the study of 3D genome structures. Her research efforts contributed to the development of several patents and significantly advanced the scientific understanding of genetic diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
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2016: Founded Helex Bio alongside former colleagues and friends from King’s College London. The company notably works on creating safe and precise gene therapies, using advanced AI-based platforms to streamline the drug discovery process.
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2021: Under Chaudhuri's leadership, Helex developed its first significant drug design platform, Epic-Cure™, which addresses the critical challenges of precision and safety in gene editing.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Poulami Chaudhuri leads Helex Bio in revolutionizing gene therapy, aiming to develop safe and precise solutions for rare and complex genetic diseases. Her leadership is crucial in guiding the company toward pioneering breakthroughs in non-viral gene delivery techniques. Helex’s work, particularly in developing therapies for kidney diseases using lipid nanoparticles, has the potential to change the treatment landscape for genetic disorders significantly.
Conclusion
Poulami Chaudhuri stands as a prominent figure in the field of biotechnology, with her work at Helex Bio symbolizing a substantial commitment to addressing genetic disorders with innovative solutions. Her efforts in improving the safety and precision of CRISPR-Cas9 applications underscore her impact on modern medicine. Looking forward, her contributions are set to continue influencing the development of gene therapies globally, offering new hope for conditions previously considered unmanageable.