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§ Private Profile · Gaustadalleen 21 Oslo, 0349, NO
Hemispherian is a technology company.
Hemispherian is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class small-molecule therapeutics for aggressive brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme. Its lead compounds, GLIX1 and GLIX5, employ a novel mechanism, effectively reducing tumor growth in preclinical models. These drugs cross the blood-brain barrier, showing minimal healthy cell toxicity, offering a targeted approach for this challenging oncology.
Founded by Zeno Albisser, with Adam Robertson, PhD, as CEO, Hemispherian emerged from a critical insight. Their collaboration, predating inception, focused on glioblastoma multiforme's severe prognosis and inadequate, debilitating treatments. This profound unmet medical need drove their commitment to innovative therapy development.
Hemispherian's therapeutics target glioblastoma multiforme patients, aiming to provide superior, less debilitating alternatives to current care. The company partners with medical professionals to advance compounds clinically. Its vision is to transform patient outcomes, enhancing survival and quality of life for those battling this aggressive disease.
Hemispherian has raised $16.0M across 5 funding rounds.
Hemispherian has raised $16.0M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Hemispherian has raised $16.0M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Hemispherian's investors include Research Council of Norway, Meneldor, Steven Powell, Kistefos, Kvantia, European Innovation Council, Investinor.
Hemispherian is a preclinical biotechnology company developing small-molecule drugs targeting the TET2 enzyme to activate DNA damage response in cancer cells, leading to selective tumor cell death while sparing healthy tissue.[1][2][3] Its lead candidate, GLIX1, focuses on aggressive cancers like glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an brain cancer with limited treatment options, and has received FDA IND clearance for clinical development.[2][3] The company serves oncology patients and healthcare providers by addressing unmet needs in hard-to-treat cancers, with total funding of about $14.17M raised since 2015, including a major NOK 105M (~$10M) EIC Accelerator grant in late 2022 and a recent joint venture with BioLineRx announced in September 2025 to advance GLIX1.[1][2][3] Based in Oslo, Norway, Hemispherian is at Series A stage and actively seeking U.S. investment for expansion.[1][2]
Founded in 2015 in Oslo, Norway, Hemispherian emerged from research into novel cancer therapies targeting DNA repair mechanisms in tumor cells.[1][3] The company's founders leveraged expertise in biotechnology to pioneer small-molecule inhibitors of the TET2 enzyme, initially focusing on glioblastoma and other aggressive cancers lacking effective treatments.[2][3] Key early traction came from securing $14.17M in funding, with a significant boost in late 2022 via NOK 140M (~$13.3M) including the EIC grant, enabling preclinical advancements.[1][2] A pivotal moment arrived in September 2025 with the joint venture alongside BioLineRx Ltd., a clinical-stage biopharma firm, to co-develop GLIX1 after FDA IND clearance, marking a shift toward clinical trials and international partnerships facilitated by Innovation Norway.[2][3]
Hemispherian rides the wave of precision oncology, targeting DNA repair vulnerabilities in aggressive cancers like GBM amid rising demand for therapies sparing healthy cells.[2][3] Timing aligns with post-2022 EIC funding surges for European biotech and 2025 FDA nods accelerating clinical paths, fueled by market forces like U.S. investor interest in oncology pipelines and partnerships with firms like BioLineRx.[2][3] It influences the ecosystem by advancing TET2-targeted drugs, potentially reshaping GBM treatment—a market with few options—and bridging European innovation with U.S. commercialization via networks like Innovation Norway.[2]
Hemispherian stands at a breakout point with GLIX1's IND clearance and BioLineRx JV paving the way for Phase 1 trials in 2026, likely drawing more U.S. funding to fuel clinical momentum.[3] Trends like AI-driven drug discovery and immunotherapy combos will shape its path, amplifying TET2 inhibitors' role in combo regimens for solid tumors. Its influence could grow by proving selective DNA damage therapies viable, evolving from preclinical innovator to key player in oncology ecosystems—echoing its core mission to transform outcomes in untreatable cancers.
Hemispherian has raised $16.0M across 5 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $1.5M Grant in December 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2023 | $1.5M Grant | Research Council OF Norway | — | Announced |
| Nov 24, 2022 | $2.9M Series A | Meneldor | Steven Powell, Kistefos, Kvantia | Announced |
| Oct 19, 2022 | $9.8M Grant | European Innovation Council | — | Announced |
| May 6, 2022 | $1.3M Seed | Meneldor | — | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2021 | $400K Seed | — | Investinor | Announced |