Jared Rutter
person active confidence: Medium status: Draft updated 2026-08-11
Summary
University of Utah biochemist Jared Rutter co-developed a proteome-scale map showing that metabolites regulate far more proteins than scientists knew, opening new drug targets. He then co-founded Atavistik Bio to turn that structural advance into medicines, though broad outside adoption remains unproven.
Impact
The Rutter lab developed MIDAS/AMPS — a technology for systematic readout of metabolite-protein interactions at proteome scale — which was published in Science in 2023. The platform provided the first evidence suggesting that metabolite regulation of proteins is far more widespread than previously appreciated, expanding the universe of potentially druggable allosteric sites.
Atavistik's lead programs target AKT1 and JAK2 mutations implicated in cancer and blood disorders. The IND-cleared ATV-1601 program for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia received FDA Fast Track designation in June 2026. If the platform translates clinically, the founding science from Utah will have contributed a new map of cellular allostery to drug discovery.
What They Offer
Rutter's public profile is primarily that of a research scientist and academic entrepreneur: deep expertise in metabolite-protein biology, cofounded company leadership experience, and demonstrated ability to attract elite life-sciences investors to Utah-origin science. As a still-active faculty member, his laboratory continues to produce the science that Atavistik and future spinouts may draw on.
What They're Looking For
Not publicly stated. As a faculty entrepreneur, likely oriented toward high-quality research talent, graduate and postdoctoral fellows interested in metabolomics and structural biology, and collaborators who can advance clinical programs from Utah academic science.
Track Record
- Co-developed MIDAS/AMPS metabolite-protein interaction platform (published Science, 2023)
- Co-founded Atavistik Bio; the current captured official source does not establish cumulative financing
- ATV-1601 IND cleared; FDA Fast Track designation for HHT (June 2026)
- University of Utah Biochemistry faculty, with prior work on mitochondrial metabolism and cellular energy sensing
Good Fits
Utah biotech founders and researchers working on metabolism, structural biology, or allosteric pharmacology who want a peer with experience turning academic biochemistry into venture-backed drug programs. Graduate students and postdocs interested in the interface of academic biochemistry and startup formation. Investors exploring Utah university spinouts in life sciences.
Public Connection Path
Reachable via University of Utah Department of Biochemistry faculty page. Atavistik Bio's Cambridge headquarters is the operational contact for the company; the Utah connection is primarily academic.
Evidence
See Also
Open Questions
- Rutter's specific faculty role and publication record are not independently confirmed here; the University of Utah Biochemistry faculty page is the authoritative source.
- Whether Rutter maintains an active advisory or board role at Atavistik as the company has matured is not confirmed.
- MIDAS/AMPS publication details (journal, volume, DOI) should be verified before citing.