Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 05, 2026

Helix BioPharma Extends LEUMUNA Option with MetaShape Through 2028

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TLDR

  • Helix BioPharma extends its exclusive option agreement with metaShape Pharma for LEUMUNA through 2028, securing potential commercial rights to a promising metabolic therapy.
  • The agreement extension provides additional research time for MS 001, an oral co-therapy that enhances mitochondrial function and fat metabolism to improve weight loss durability.
  • This collaboration advances a therapy that could provide more durable weight loss and better metabolic health outcomes for patients with obesity-related diseases.
  • MS 001 increases NAD+ levels to reprogram fat metabolism, potentially making weight loss more selective and sustainable when combined with existing GLP-1 treatments.

Impact - Why it Matters

This news matters because it highlights advancements in metabolic disease treatment, particularly obesity, which affects millions globally and is linked to serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Current GLP-1 therapies, while effective, often face challenges with weight regain and non-selective fat loss. The extension of the agreement for MS 001, a co-therapy designed to enhance fat-selective weight loss and durability, could lead to more effective and sustainable treatments. By targeting NAD+ biology and mitochondrial function, it addresses metabolic dysfunction at a cellular level, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens. For investors, this signals Helix BioPharma's strategic diversification beyond oncology into high-value metabolic indications, enhancing its pipeline and long-term growth prospects.

Summary

Helix BioPharma Corp., a clinical-stage oncology company, has announced the extension of its Research and Exclusive Option Agreement with metaShape Pharma AG for LEUMUNA™ through December 31, 2028. The agreement, originally between metaShape and Laevoroc Immunology AG, grants metaShape an exclusive research license and an option to negotiate a commercial license for LEUMUNA in adipose tissue-related and metabolic diseases. Following Helix's acquisition of Laevoroc's assets in 2024, Helix became the successor licensor. The extension provides additional time to advance research and support the program's progression toward clinical development, preserving Helix's long-term optionality in high-value metabolic indications while maintaining its strategic focus on oncology.

The compound, referred to internally as "MS 001" or ulodesine hemiglutarate, is being developed as an orally administered, first-in-class co-therapy to GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide. It aims to improve the selectivity of adipose tissue reduction and the durability of weight loss. In preclinical studies led by metaShape, MS 001 increased inosine and NAD+ levels, supporting enhanced mitochondrial function, increased energy expenditure in adipose tissue, and broader metabolic efficiency. Treatment in mice on an obesogenic diet was associated with improved weight loss outcomes and attenuated weight regain after GLP-1 withdrawal, highlighting its potential to address limitations in current obesity treatments.

Randall Riggs, MBA, CEO of metaShape, noted that the extension aligns with a period of meaningful progress for the company, expressing excitement about developments around MS 001. Thomas Mehrling, MD, PhD, CEO of Helix BioPharma, emphasized that the decision is grounded in the quality of emerging preclinical data, particularly the compound's effects on NAD+ biology and fat metabolism reprogramming. He highlighted the potential of MS 001 to benefit patients across distinct disease settings and reinforced Helix's ability to generate value beyond oncology. For more information, visit www.metashapepharma.com and https://www.helixbiopharma.com/, and view the original release on www.newmediawire.com.

Source Statement

This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Helix BioPharma Extends LEUMUNA Option with MetaShape Through 2028

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