Hemispherian
Hemispherian is a Norwegian clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing first-in-class small molecule cancer therapeutics that activate the TET2 enzyme to trigger selective DNA damage response, with lead compound GLIX1 in Phase 1/2a trials for glioblastoma via a BioLineRx joint venture.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersOslo, Norway
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Hemispherian does
Hemispherian AS is a Norwegian clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a novel class of small molecule cancer therapeutics that target the TET2 enzyme. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Oslo, the company's lead compound GLIX1 is an oral first-in-class TET2 activator designed to restore 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in cancer cells, triggering selective DNA damage response and apoptosis while sparing healthy tissue. GLIX1 is currently in Phase 1/2a clinical development for recurrent glioblastoma (NCT07464925, first patient dosed April 2026), with initial Phase 1 data anticipated in H1 2027. Pipeline expansion includes GLIX5 (proof-of-concept, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer), GLIX8 (preclinical, broader cancer indications), GLIX40 (early discovery), and a GLIX1 + PARP inhibitor combination program for HR-proficient cancers.
The GLIX platform is protected by issued patents in the US, Europe, and 13 additional countries covering CNS cancers through at least 2040, and a USPTO Notice of Allowance (November 2025) extending protection to cancers where cytidine deaminase is not overexpressed (>90% of cancer types). GLIX1 has received Orphan Drug Designation from both the FDA (July 2025) and EMA (June 2025), plus FDA IND clearance (August 2025). The company operates a partner-driven development and commercialization model and is pre-revenue.
In September 2025, Hemispherian established the Tetragon joint venture with Nasdaq-listed BioLineRx to advance GLIX1, contributing global rights in exchange for an initial 60% stake while BioLineRx manages, performs, and funds all development activities; BioLineRx's stake can grow to a maximum of 70% with continued investment. Hemispherian has raised approximately NOK 12.5M seed (May 2022, Meneldor-led), NOK 30M Series A1 first tranche (November 2022), EUR 10M from the European Innovation Council Accelerator (October 2022), and NOK 31.9M in aggregate Norwegian Research Council and European Commission grants (2020-2023). The company runs its Phase 1/2a trial across three US academic medical centers: NYU Langone Health, Northwestern University, and Moffitt Cancer Center, supported by a Clinical Advisory Board chaired by Dr. Roger Stupp.
Hemispherian firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hemispherian
- Legal name
- Hemispherian AS
- Website
- https://hemispherian.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Hemispherian is a Norwegian clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing first-in-class small molecule cancer therapeutics that activate the TET2 enzyme to trigger selective DNA damage response, with lead compound GLIX1 in Phase 1/2a trials for glioblastoma via a BioLineRx joint venture.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hemispherian industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Oncology Therapeutics
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hematology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (Non-malignant) (HLAIACAI)
Keywords
Where Hemispherian is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oslo
- HQ country
- Norway
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Hemispherian business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Pharmaceutical Product Revenue: Pre-revenue clinical-stage company. Anticipated future revenue from commercialization of GLIX1 and other pipeline compounds for cancer treatment. Will partner with or be acquired by larger pharmaceutical companies for commercialization.
- Grant Funding: Non-dilutive funding from government and European Innovation Council to support research and development activities.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Hemispherian product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hemispherian is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a proprietary class of small molecule drugs (the GLIX platform) that activate the TET2 enzyme to restore depleted 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in cancer cells, triggering DNA damage response and selective cancer cell death while sparing normal tissues. Its lead compound GLIX1 is in Phase 1/2a clinical trials for glioblastoma, developed through a joint venture (Tetragon) with BioLineRx where Hemispherian holds 60% ownership. Pipeline assets include GLIX5 for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and GLIX8/GLIX40 for broader cancer indications.
Product overview
Hemispherian is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a novel class of small molecule cancer therapeutics targeting the TET2 enzyme. The company's proprietary GLIX platform includes lead compound GLIX1 (in Phase 1/2a clinical development for glioblastoma via joint venture with BioLineRx), GLIX5 (proof of concept stage for platinum-resistant ovarian cancers), GLIX8 (preclinical, broader cancer indications), and GLIX40 (early discovery). The GLIX compounds work by restoring normal 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in cancer cells, triggering DNA damage response and selective cancer cytotoxicity while sparing healthy tissue.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- GLIX1 First-in-class oral small molecule therapeutic targeting the TET2 enzyme to restore DNA damage response in cancer cells. Currently in Phase 1/2a clinical development for recurrent and progressive glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas. Demonstrates excellent blood-brain barrier penetration, selective cancer cell cytotoxicity, and favorable safety profile. Developed through Tetragon joint venture with BioLineRx.
- GLIX5 Second therapeutic compound in the GLIX pipeline indicated for platinum-resistant ovarian cancers, one of the most challenging gynecological malignancies. At proof of concept/preclinical stage. Targets the same TET2 enzyme activation mechanism as GLIX1.
- GLIX8 Preclinical compound in the GLIX family indicated for a broader range of cancers beyond glioblastoma. At discovery stage of development. Part of the proprietary TET2-activating therapeutic platform.
- GLIX40 Pipeline compound in early discovery/development stages alongside other GLIX family molecules, part of the proprietary small molecule platform targeting TET2 enzyme activation for cancer treatment.
- GLIX1 + PARP Inhibitor Combination Therapy Combination therapy approach pairing GLIX1 with PARP inhibitors for treatment of homologous recombination (HR)-proficient cancers. Shows synergistic effects in preclinical studies and is the subject of a pending international patent application providing protection through 2044 with possible extensions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Complete tumor elimination in 50% of mice in preclinical GBM models; tumor regression in all mice
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Hemispherian
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Hemispherian technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Hemispherian partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship/joint venture and minor.
- NYU Langone HealthcoreFirst site to initiate patient enrollment in Phase 1/2a clinical trial of GLIX1 in glioblastoma. Led by Dr. Alexandra Miller, Chief of Neuro-Oncology & Co-Director of Brain and Spine Tumor Center at Perlmutter Cancer Center.
- Northwestern UniversitycoreClinical trial site led by Dr. Roger Stupp and Dr. Ditte Primdahl at the Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Roger Stupp serves as lead investigator and Medical Director.
- Moffitt Cancer CentercoreClinical trial site led by Dr. Patrick Grogan. One of three academic centers conducting Phase 1/2a study of GLIX1 in glioblastoma.
- BioLineRx Ltd.flagship/joint ventureJoint venture established September 2025 to develop GLIX1. Hemispherian contributes global rights of GLIX1; BioLineRx manages, performs, and funds all development activities. Initial ownership: Hemispherian 60%, BioLineRx 40%. BioLineRx's stake can increase incrementally to potential maximum of 70% with continued investment. BioLineRx is a Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical company (NASDAQ:BLRX) pursuing therapies in oncology and rare diseases.
- University of OslocoreResearch collaboration as part of Innovation Project grant from Research Council of Norway. Collaborates with researchers and clinicians for advancing lead therapeutics into clinical trials.
- Oslo University HospitalcoreClinical collaboration through Vilhelm Magnus Laboratory for preclinical and clinical development of GLIX compounds for glioblastoma treatment.
- Norwegian University of Science and TechnologycoreResearch collaboration as part of Innovation Project grant from Research Council of Norway for advancing lead therapeutics into clinical trials.
- Norway Health TechminorNorwegian health technology industry organization that supports Hemispherian as part of its network of strong supporters.
- Oslo Cancer ClusterminorNorwegian cancer cluster organization supporting Hemispherian as part of its network of strong supporters.
- Innovation NorwayminorNorwegian government agency supporting Hemispherian as part of its network of strong supporters.
- The Life Science ClusterminorNorwegian life science industry cluster supporting Hemispherian as part of its network of strong supporters.
- Life Science Cluster, Norway Health Tech, Oslo Cancer Cluster, SharelabminorNorwegian life science ecosystem organizations that supported Hemispherian's Innovation Project grant application.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Hemispherian competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CNS Pharmaceuticals: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel chemotherapeutics for brain cancers, with lead candidate berubicin in trials for glioblastoma. Highly comparable clinical-stage GBM-focused peer.
- Plus Therapeutics: Clinical-stage oncology company focused on central nervous system cancers including glioblastoma. Comparable in indication focus and clinical-stage profile.
- Diffusion Pharmaceuticals: Clinical-stage company developing small molecules for treatment of solid tumors including glioblastoma. Comparable in indication (GBM) and clinical-stage small-molecule profile.
- Aprea Therapeutics: Clinical-stage oncology company developing small molecules that reactivate suppressed tumor suppressor pathways (e.g., p53). Mechanistic peer given Hemispherian's approach of reactivating suppressed TET2/5-hmC pathways in cancer.
- Foghorn Therapeutics: Clinical-stage oncology company developing medicines targeting chromatin biology and dysregulated gene expression. Mechanistically adjacent given Hemispherian's epigenetic (TET2/5-hmC) approach to cancer.
- Repare Therapeutics: Clinical-stage precision oncology company developing synthetic lethality and DNA damage response-targeted therapies. Direct mechanistic peer given Hemispherian's DNA damage response activation approach via TET2.
- Tango Therapeutics: Clinical-stage oncology company focused on synthetic lethality and DNA damage response targets. Comparable in mechanism category (DDR targeting) and clinical-stage profile.
- Kazia Therapeutics: Clinical-stage oncology company focused primarily on brain cancer, with lead asset paxalisib in development for glioblastoma. Direct peer to Hemispherian in clinical-stage, small-molecule GBM drug development.
- Kintara Therapeutics: Clinical-stage oncology company focused on solid tumors with a lead program (VAL-083) in glioblastoma. Comparable in stage, indication focus, and novel-mechanism small-molecule approach.
Broad incumbents
- Novocure: Established commercial-stage oncology company with leading market presence in glioblastoma treatment (TTFields/Optune). Larger incumbent serving the same GBM patient population that GLIX1 targets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hemispherian social profiles
Digital presenceHemispherian compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Hemispherian financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hemispherian leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Hemispherian subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Hemispherian funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds9 records
Investors9 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hemispherian M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hemispherian
What does Hemispherian do?
Hemispherian is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a proprietary class of small molecule drugs (the GLIX platform) that activate the TET2 enzyme to restore depleted 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in cancer cells, triggering DNA damage response and selective cancer cell death while sparing normal tissues. Its lead compound GLIX1 is in Phase 1/2a clinical trials for glioblastoma, developed through a joint venture (Tetragon) with BioLineRx where Hemispherian holds 60% ownership. Pipeline assets include GLIX5 for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and GLIX8/GLIX40 for broader cancer indications.
Is Hemispherian a public or private company?
Hemispherian is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Hemispherian founded?
Hemispherian was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Hemispherian based?
Hemispherian is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, in the Europe region.
How does Hemispherian make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Pharmaceutical Product Revenue is the primary driver. The others are grant Funding.
Who are Hemispherian's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CNS Pharmaceuticals, Plus Therapeutics, Diffusion Pharmaceuticals, Aprea Therapeutics, Foghorn Therapeutics, Repare Therapeutics, Tango Therapeutics, Kazia Therapeutics and Kintara Therapeutics. Novocure is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Hemispherian have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hemispherian.
What industry is Hemispherian in?
Hemispherian's product category is Oncology Therapeutics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIACAI, Hematology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (Non-malignant). Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 2834.