First-in-class therapies for enhancing tissue repair and regeneration
Headquarters
Seattle, WA
Funding
Series A
Status
Acquired (by Amgen, Inc.)
Rodeo Therapeutics Corporation focused on developing small-molecule therapies that increase tissue levels of prostaglandin PGE2. Preclinical studies have shown that increasing PGE2 through modulation of a prostaglandin-degrading enzyme (15-PGDH) protects against colitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), accelerates hematopoietic stem cell reconstitution following bone marrow transplant, and promotes liver regeneration in a variety of animal models.
Rodeo Therapeutics’ scientific approach is based on research conducted by world-renowned scientists at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
“Accelerator’s proactive approach to keep founding scientists engaged and involved is powerful. Even though the development work wasn’t conducted in our academic labs, Accelerator sought our scientific and intellectual input. They incorporated our insights into understanding how our initial discoveries could improve patient care and outcomes. Our engagement with Accelerator was beneficial to Rodeo and rewarding for the other founders and me.”
— Stanton Gerson, MD, Case Western Reserve University
“Court Turner is a consummate business development professional. He had wide contacts at potential partners, made connections, and drove negotiations that culminated in our deal with Amgen. Rodeo’s business success was propelled by Court’s insightful understanding of our technology, his skillful incorporation of our team in the due diligence process, and his mastery as a negotiator.”
— Sanford Markowitz, MD, PhD, Case Western Reserve University
“Early-stage investors often try to consolidate multiple programs into a single entity. In contrast, Accelerator invested in and prioritized our technology and scientific innovation. They were committed to our prostaglandin dehydrogenase program as true strategic partners. Our success was as important to them as it was to us.”
— Joseph Ready, PhD, UT Southwestern Medical Center