Next-Generation Delivery of Drugs
Xanadu Bio is pioneering the use of next-generation polymer nanoparticles to deliver mRNA and other payloads. This delivery platform leverages the novel poly(amine-co-ester), or PACE, polymer family that is tunable, organ-specific, and immune-silent. Xanadu is initially focusing on PACE for induction of mucosal immunity via intranasal vaccines for viral respiratory infections with plans to expand into other localized applications, including in the lung and the eye, and systemic delivery.
Technology
PACE, poly(amine-co-esters), is a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer family comprised of 3 monomers that are naturally occurring (PDL, DES) or largely non-toxic (MDEA).
There are several characteristics of the PACE polymer and particles that are tunable, enabling selective organ targeting, varied routes of administration, more robust stability, and increased tolerability.
PACE manufacturing and particle production are more streamlined than other delivery vehicles, providing potential long-term advantages for scale up and clinical use.
Pipeline
Team
Executive Team
Bruce Turner, M.D., Ph.D.
Position: Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder, and Chairman
Dr. Bruce Turner is a medically trained oncologist with deep experience spanning genetic research, drug development and healthcare portfolio management. Prior to founding Xanadu, Dr. Turner spent five years at Hoffman-La Roche in various position of increasing responsibility in R&D and was vice president at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. working in cardiovascular/ metabolic drug development. Dr. Turner is also the interim chief financial officer and chief strategy officer for Morphimmune, a targeted oncology company. Earlier in his career, he served as a healthcare equities portfolio manager at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Diker Management. Dr. Turner received a M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and a B.A. in biology from the University of Chicago. He completed his postgraduate medical training at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Radiation Oncology and performed postdoctoral research at Yale University.
Todd Wider, M.D.
Position: Chief Medical Officer, Co-Founder, and Member of Board
Dr. Todd Wider is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Medical Officer at Emendo Bio and serves as a consultant to numerous entities in the biotechnology space. Todd graduated from Princeton University and received a M.D. from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery residencies at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, as well as fellowships in complex oncologic microsurgery and craniofacial surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering and the University of Miami.
Taylor Feehley, Ph.D.
Position: Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Taylor Feehley is a published immunology researcher with experience in life science corporate development and strategy. Most recently, she served in various senior corporate strategy and development roles at Omega Therapeutics and Vedanta Biosciences. Prior to joining Vedanta, she was a Senior Research Analyst at Chardan with a specialty in genetic medicines, infectious disease, and microbiome. Her academic research explored the intestinal microbiome and its role in regulating sensitization to food allergens, for which she was named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list for Science in 2016. Taylor received a B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and was a postdoctoral fellow at Washington University in St. Louis.
Founders
News & Publications
Suberi et al. Science Translational Medicine, 2023
New York Times
Mao, Israelow, et al. Science, 2022