Andrew Sledziewski, Ph.D
Metheor Therapeutics wants to find a cure for cancer. The Seattle-based biotech company, which completed two rounds of angel funding, collaborates with Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics in Poland, University Clinic Mannheim in Germany, and Washington State University in Pullman, WA. The start-up has so far identified more than 30 candidate DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzyme inhibitors and established a fully functional laboratory running state of the art biochemical and in vitro testing of DNMT inhibitors.
Andrew Sledziewski, Ph.D, co-founder and CEO of Metheor Therapeutics, is a long time Washington State biotech industry veteran. Dr. Sledziewski co-invented a receptor fusion technology that is the basis for Rheumatoid Arthritis blockbusters, Enbrel and Orencia.
Recently Dr. Sledziewski served as SVP Research at Epigenomics AG. During his tenure at Epigenomics Dr. Sledziewski led a team that pioneered the development of cancer diagnostic tests based on DNA methylation. The first product, Epi proColon, blood-based diagnostic for colon cancer, is currently marketed in Europe and US. Prior to joining Epigenomics, Dr. Sledziewski was SVP, Research at ZymoGenetics, Inc. He supervised a staff of 90 scientists with a budget of more than $20 million. His team developed a series of protein-based drugs based on genomic information. Dr. Sledziewski received his Ph.D. from the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences and continued his studies as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the University of Washington.
Dr. Sledziewski plans to introduce Metheor Therapeutics to the Northwest investment community and hopes to identify investors to help him take the company to the next level.
Life Science Innovation Northwest is the largest Life Science conference in our region. This year’s key note speakers are Malinda & Bill Gates Foundation CEO Jeff Raikes and Burrill & Company CEO G. Steven Burrill.
More about Life Science Innovation Northwest 2012 on Washington Biotechnology and Biotechnology Association website: http://www.washbio.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=145