Utopia Therapeutics, a Hyderabad-based biotech startup working on next-generation vaccines for chronic metabolic disorders, has raised $1.5 million in seed funding from early-stage venture firm Whale Tank. The investment marks a major step in the company’s journey to develop first-in-class immunotherapies targeting obesity.
Founded by a team of scientists, Utopia Therapeutics is focused on delivering novel treatments for chronic metabolic diseases, with its lead candidate UT009 aiming to reshape obesity management. The vaccine is designed to modulate immune responses against lipid-associated antigens, thereby reducing fat accumulation and improving overall metabolic health.
The newly secured capital will support the preclinical advancement of UT009, including work on regulatory toxicology, IND-enabling studies, and preparation for Phase I clinical trials, the company said in a statement.
Co-founders Dr. Uday Saxena and Dr. Gopi Kadiyala expressed confidence in their strategic partnership with Whale Tank:
“We are thrilled to have Whale Tank as a strategic partner in our journey to redefine obesity treatment. Obesity is a global epidemic with limited long-term therapeutic options. UT009 represents a paradigm shift by differentiating it from current obesity drugs by addressing the root causes of weight gain. This investment enables us to move swiftly toward clinical translation.”
The development also received praise from Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director at BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), who emphasized the importance of India’s growing deep-tech ecosystem:
“A vaccine for metabolic disorders and a regenerative product pipeline coming out of India and entering global markets demonstrates the scientific depth and entrepreneurial maturity that BIRAC has consistently fostered. It’s especially heartening to witness this in my presence. I’m happy to see that some of the companies now being funded by Whale Tank were previously supported by BIRAC.”
Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Managing Partner at Whale Tank, added:
“Utopia’s approach is bold, scientifically rigorous, and offers enormous potential to disrupt the obesity market. We are excited to support their mission of bringing Immunotherapeutics to the forefront of chronic disease management.”
As Utopia Therapeutics advances toward clinical trials, the startup aims to position India as a key player in innovative immunotherapy for metabolic health, offering alternatives to traditional drug-based treatments in a field with few durable solutions.
