Jordan Koehn

Jordan Koehn, PhD, is a visionary scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded ForagR Medicines alongside fellow experts Kevin Weeks, PhD, and Andrea Epperly, PhD. Established in 2024, ForagR Medicines is at the forefront of biotechnology, committed to creating innovative RNA-targeted small-molecule therapeutics that aim to revolutionize human health. As Head of Platform and Chemical Genomics, he plays a critical role in leading the company's drug discovery platform, pushing the boundaries of RNA biology to uncover new therapeutic solutions for complex diseases.

Throughout his career, Jordan has been dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in human health through cutting-edge research. His passion for scientific discovery took root during his postdoctoral studies under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin Weeks at the University of North Carolina (UNC). It was there that Koehn developed an innovative transcriptome-wide RNA-ligand discovery technology, now the backbone of ForagR's drug discovery platform. This powerful technology enables the identification of RNA-binding small molecules with therapeutic potential by mapping RNA structures and functions at unprecedented levels.

Koehn's research has revealed new insights into how RNA structures regulate biological processes, identifying small-molecule ligands that interact with these structures to modulate function. His groundbreaking discoveries underscore RNA's untapped potential as a drug target, particularly in cases where conventional protein-targeting strategies prove ineffective. Recognizing the opportunity to develop a new class of RNA-based therapeutics, he continues to refine and expand the ForagR platform to accelerate advancements in human health.

Dr. Koehn's expertise spans multiple scientific disciplines, including organic chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, RNA structural biology, and high-throughput chemical genomics. His ability to synthesize small molecules designed to interact with complex RNA structures sets him apart as a leader in biotechnology. Through his leadership at ForagR Medicines, he manages a diverse team of scientists focused on applying technologies to discover breakthrough treatments.

Jordan Koehn's research extends beyond therapeutics to agriculture, where he led a successful partnership with BASF Corporation. Together, they leveraged ForagR's technology to develop novel insecticides and crop protection agents, further demonstrating the platform's versatility.