Halsa Pharmaceuticals

Halsa Pharmaceuticals was a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing next-generation therapies for obesity and metabolic diseases. The company's research centered on a novel pathway involving liver-secreted factors that regulate adipose tissue distribution and insulin sensitivity. Its lead asset, a monoclonal antibody targeting Inhibin beta E (INHBE), aimed to provide a differentiated approach to weight loss by improving metabolic health. In December 2021, Halsa was acquired by Amgen for $160 million upfront, significantly expanding Amgen's portfolio in the cardiometabolic space. The company was founded by industry veterans and academic experts from the Joslin Diabetes Center.