Rodin Therapeutics Applies Insights of Epigenetics to Neurological Disorders
Date: 2.7.2013
CAMBRIDGE, MA / Martinsried, Germany- June 27, 2013; Rodin Therapeutics, a biotechnology company applying insights of epigenetics to novel therapeutics for neurological disorders, announced its founding by Atlas Venture and Proteros biostructures. Rodin is founded based on its insight into key epigenetic modulators of CNS function, privileged access to Proteros’ best-in-class structural biology capabilities, and a team with deep CNS drug development and company formation experience. Rodin secured financing from Atlas Venture and Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation (JJDC).
“The field of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease represents a critical unmet medical need with a large opportunity for new therapeutics,” said Dr. Bruce Booth, Acting CEO of Rodin Therapeutics. “We are excited to launch Rodin Therapeutics as a capital efficient vehicle to take a novel, epigenetics guided approach to these diseases.”
The Rodin platform and pipeline is the product of a strategic partnership with Proteros, a leader in structural biology, biophysical profiling and integrated lead discovery. Proteros’ capabilities enable an orthogonal look at the interactions of small molecules as they bind to key epigenetic targets. Proteros is a founding shareholder in Rodin, and will offer Rodin privileged access to leading-edge technology and exclusive rights to key targets. The Rodin team and Proteros scientists will work together to advance the Rodin pipeline and discovery efforts.
Dr. Torsten Neuefeind, CEO of Proteros commented: “We are excited about the founding of Rodin Therapeutics and to join the high caliber team of CNS experts and blue chip investors. This is a further validation of our structure-based discovery platform for a novel neuroscience approach. Arnd Christ, CFO of Proteros added: “Rodin represents an innovative target focused financing approach to address the interest of all parties involved.”
The Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center in Boston and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, will engage in scientific collaboration with Rodin Therapeutics with the goal of sharing knowledge and expertise to advance novel solutions in CNS. A member of the Boston Innovation Center will participate on the company’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Rodin has assembled a team with deep drug discovery and company creation experience including Martin Jefson PhD, former head of Neuroscience Research at Pfizer (Chief Scientific Officer); Ankit Mahadevia MD, Venture Partner at Atlas Venture (Acting Chief Business Officer); Bruce Booth, PhD, Partner at Atlas Venture (Acting Chief Executive Officer).
Contact: Arnd Christ, Proteros biostructures Gmb
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About Rodin Therapeutics
Rodin Therapeutics is discovering and developing first in class therapeutics for cognitive disorders, applying unique insights into the role of epigenetics and best in class structural biology capabilities. Applying Rodin’s unique access to the Proteros structural biology platform and deep experience in CNS drug development, the company has identified high potential targets and novel chemical strategies to address high unmet clinical needs. Rodin was co-founded by Atlas Venture and Proteros Biostructures, with financing from the Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation (JJDC) Seed Fund.
About Atlas Venture
Atlas Venture is a leading early-stage international venture capital firm that invests in technology and life sciences businesses. Since inception in 1980, its partners have helped build over 350 companies in more than 16 different countries. Atlas Venture is currently investing from its ninth fund which closed in May 2013. For more information, visit www.atlasventure.com.
About Proteros
Proteros, Martinsried/Munich, is a privately held company, which provides a leading platform to support protein structure accelerated drug discovery. Proteros has established unique and best in class technologies for protein crystallography, kinetic and thermodynamic profiling and tailor made protein production. Proteros provides services to more than 80 pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information visit www.proteros.com
