Date: Feb 15, 2015 Source: Company Data (
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Fannin Innovation Studio, an early-stage life sciences commercialization group, today announced it has signed an agreement with Rice University to form new portfolio company Acelerox, LLC.
Acelerox is developing a novel nanoparticle-based antioxidant therapy for a range of patient indications. Renowned synthetic organic chemist and Rice University professor James M. Tour, Ph.D. developed the molecules.
The technology holds promise to help patients in a number of disease areas including rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. The compounds have been tested in many models covering these disease conditions by Baylor College of Medicine's neurologist Dr. Thomas Kent and inflammatory diseases expert Dr. Christine Beeton.
Kent, who serves as Professor of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, Chief of Neurology at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and sits on the Acelerox Board, says, "My laboratory has identified limitations of existing antioxidant approaches and worked closely with Dr. Tour to mitigate those limitations with these nanoparticles. We're particularly interested in the potential of this therapeutic in the treatment of head trauma, stroke and other nervous system injuries. Lab tests have shown improved blood flow and reduced lesion size which suggests the possibility of improving outcome."
Fannin Innovation Studio's Managing Partner Atul Varadhachary, MD, Ph.D. will serve as President and Fannin Principal Chris Durst, Ph.D. will serve as Director of Research and Development for Acelerox, leading the newly formed company through the commercialization process.
"There is an enormous amount of research and life-improving innovation emerging from Houston institutions like this. Such novel technology holds the promise of helping many patients with significant unmet medical needs," said Varadhachary, Managing Partner of Fannin Innovation Studio. "Chris' bioengineering background and technical expertise is a good match for this technology as we advance it closer to commercial use."
About Fannin Innovation Studio
Houston-based Fannin Innovation Studio is an early-stage life sciences development group focused exclusively on commercializing medical technologies. Fannin partners with life science innovators to co-found startup companies by providing a pooled experienced management team, central office space and seed funding. To further bridge the commercialization gap, Fannin's apprenticeship program provides aspiring entrepreneurs with hands-on development experience with its portfolio companies.
For more information, visit www.FanninInnovation.com or email innovate@fannininnovation.com
