Earendil Labs

About Earendil Labs

Huashen Zhiyao, which operates under the English name Helixon, is a biotechnology firm focused on the application of artificial intelligence to accelerate new drug development. Founded in June 2021 by Dr. Jian Peng, a professor at Tsinghua University with a background in AI and life sciences, the company is headquartered in Beijing, China, with a presence in Champaign, IL. Helixon aims to address the discovery of protein-based therapeutics by building a next-generation AI scientific computing platform.

The company's core offering is its HeliXon design platform, an intelligent system for molecular computation, simulation, and design. This platform integrates deep learning algorithms with proprietary high-throughput biological experimental technologies. The process involves an iterative loop: the AI designs massive quantities of antibody sequences, predicts their properties, and then these are validated through high-throughput experiments, with the results feeding back into the system for self-improvement. This methodology is engineered to significantly enhance the speed and success rate of discovering novel antibodies and macromolecule-based therapeutics, particularly for previously challenging targets. The platform's capabilities include protein structure prediction, where its Helixonai model reportedly outperformed Alphafold2, as well as protein design, antibody discovery, and cell engineering.

Helixon's business model appears to be centered on both independent research and development and strategic collaborations. The company is actively building its own pipeline of macromolecular drugs and immunotherapies with the goal of advancing them to the clinical stage. Simultaneously, it forms partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions, such as a collaboration with Tsinghua University's School of Medicine on a COVID-19 program. The firm serves drug R&D personnel by providing its advanced computational tools. Helixon secured substantial financial backing, completing a Series A funding round of nearly 500 million yuan (approximately $75M) in June 2022. This financing was led by Wuyuan Capital, with participation from Gaorong Capital, Neumann Capital, and angel investors including Xianghe Capital, Hillhouse Venture Capital, and Qingzhi Capital.