Pharma, Startups

J&J and Atlas Venture back launch of drug developer using epigenetics to treat Alzheimer’s disease

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) kicked off the launch of its Boston innovation center with news […]

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) kicked off the launch of its Boston innovation center with news that it is backing a new drug developer targeting Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. Early stage life science investor Atlas Venture started Rodin Therapeutics with biotechnology company Proteros and secured backing from J&J’s venture arm.

Rodin is using epigenetics to develop therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.

Epigenetics focuses on changes in gene expression other than those caused by underlying DNA. It refers to external modifications to DNA that turn genes “on” or “off.”

Rodin Therapeutics has access to Proteros’ structural biology resources, including a team with a background in central nervous system drug development and company formation experience.

The management team at Rodin will include Martin Jefson, the chief scientific officer who previously served as the former head of neuroscience research at Pfizer. Bruce Booth, a partner at Atlas Venture, will be the acting CEO and Dr. Ankit Mahadevia, a venture partner at Atlas, will be the acting chief business officer.

The Boston center is the latest of Johnson & Johnson’s innovation centers to open. It has already opened centers in California and London.The Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center in Boston and Janssen’s research and development unit, part of J&J’s pharmaceutical arm, will collaborate with Rodin Therapeutics to advance novel solutions in neurological disorders. A member of the Boston Innovation Center will participate on Rodin Therapeutics’ scientific advisory board.

J&J announced the innovation center initiative last year as part of an effort to identify and support early stage life science innovation and forge collaborations with the flexibility to adapt deal structures to match early stage opportunities. The idea is also to speed development of those concepts to solve unmet needs in patients. It reflects the growing demand for big pharma to find new ways to replenish their drug pipelines.

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