Xuedong Liu

New NAI Fellow and Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Leads in Research and Medical Innovation

Jessica Helzer — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:36:07 +0000

New NAI Fellow and Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Leads in Research and Medical Innovation Jessica Helzer Fri, 11/14/2025 - 10:36

��ý�� biochemistry professor Xuedong Liu was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors this year, recognizing a career of pioneering discoveries and real-world impact. His research on cellular communication has fueled four startups advancing novel treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Since he was in grade school, Xuedong Liu (CU ��ý�� Biochemistry) has been intrigued by ‘how the world works.’ But becoming a biologist mostly involved memorizing, classifying and observing–all important skills—and Liu was curious about how organisms are put together, their inner workings and how they progress in a predetermined manner. So he looked to chemistry and physics for laws and rules and ways to predict activity. Ultimately, by combining the disciplines, he saw the best chance to advance science and discovery in a meaningful way. Liu thought, “There’s so much unknown and there’s so much promise–and there’s great opportunity there.”

Fast forward to Atlanta, Georgia in June 2025 when Liu—whose innovations have now led to the creation of four startup companies bringing novel disease therapies to the world—received a medal for being inducted into the elite ranks of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). NAI fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.

“These academic inventors have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation, and their inventions have made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development and welfare of our society,” said Coke Stewart, acting undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and acting director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, who presided over the ceremony.

The NAI chooses “people that have really done something of huge value with their patents,” said Hannah Nelson, associate director of licensing at Venture Partners at CU ��ý�� and biosciences team lead. “You are not recognized by the NAI unless you are in the very top tier of inventors,” she said. “It’s a prestigious designation that shows that you have contributed again and again in a really substantial way to innovation.”

While Liu knew he had been nominated for the distinction, “it was a very nice surprise,” he said. Liu was deeply honored by the recognition and credited his colleagues and collaborators, who have contributed to a collective effort to solve tough problems in fighting disease. The honor has fanned the flames of Liu’s work. “It’s motivated me even more to do things that change the world,” he said.

More Details from CU Venture Partners

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CU ��ý�� Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)

Jessica Helzer — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:03:46 +0000

CU ��ý�� Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Jessica Helzer Mon, 12/16/2024 - 11:03

CU ��ý�� Biochemistry Professor, Xuedong Liu, was announced as a member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) on December 10th, among an elite elected group of 170 exceptional inventors. NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. The full list of 2024 Fellows can be found here.

The 2024 cohort of Fellows exemplifies the Academy’s belief that groundbreaking innovation knows no bounds and inventors can be found everywhere. This is evident in the fact that the honorees represent 39 U.S. states, 12 countries, and 43% identify as underrepresented inventors.

The 2024 Class of Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26th, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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CU ��ý�� Biochemistry Professor, Xuedong Liu, was announced as part of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) on December 10th, where NAI announced the election of 170 exceptional inventors into the 2024 Class of Fellows. NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.

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Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu's startup, OnKure Therapeutics, raises $51M in series B funding in 2021

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 20:09:47 +0000

Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu's startup, OnKure Therapeutics, raises $51M in series B funding in 2021 Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/03/2022 - 13:09

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Lab Venture Challenge

Anonymous — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Lab Venture Challenge Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 11/19/2019 - 00:00

Published: Nov. 19 , 2019 • By Mallory Richardson

Lab Venture Challenge awards $900,000 to promising bioscience, physical science and engineering ventures

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CU ��ý�� spinout OnKure Therapeutics enrolls first cancer patient in clinical trial

Anonymous — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 18:28:37 +0000

CU ��ý�� spinout OnKure Therapeutics enrolls first cancer patient in clinical trial Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/19/2019 - 12:28

By Mallory Richardson • Published: June 21 , 2019

A new drug therapy for cancer treatment, spun out of research performed in a CU ��ý�� biochemistry lab, may provide better results for patients with solid cancers and hematologic cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

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Xuedong Liu

New NAI Fellow and Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Leads in Research and Medical Innovation

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CU ������ý���� Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)

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Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu's startup, OnKure Therapeutics, raises $51M in series B funding in 2021

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Lab Venture Challenge

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CU ������ý���� spinout OnKure Therapeutics enrolls first cancer patient in clinical trial

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CU ��ý�� Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)

CU ��ý�� spinout OnKure Therapeutics enrolls first cancer patient in clinical trial