November 18, 2008
Joint Biomarker Research Related to Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC. (November 18, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and development, and the Joslin Diabetes Center, the world’s preeminent diabetes research and clinical care organization, today announced a collaboration to carry out human clinical and animal studies in the area of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
This collaboration agreement includes a series of studies to be conducted using Metabolon’s biochemical profiling technology. The research teams at Joslin Diabetes Center, led by Mary-Elizabeth Patti, an investigator at Joslin and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, expect these human and animal biomarker discovery studies will help them better understand the progression of insulin resistance (IR) as it relates to the development of diabetes. Metabolon will also assess the translatability of its human IR biomarkers when carrying out the Joslin diabetic animal model studies.
“Through these studies, we hope to gain insights into new biomarkers of insulin resistance that will help guide and increase our understanding of the underlying physiology of insulin resistant patients and their corresponding susceptibility to develop further insulin resistance and potentially type 2 diabetes,” explained Dr. Patti.
Metabolon and Joslin investigators will collaborate to further validate human biochemical biomarkers of insulin resistance, a condition that affects over a quarter of the U.S. adult population. Metabolon is working with academic centers worldwide on the development of an insulin resistance diagnostic test.
“Today, no simple test exists that is capable of detecting and identifying insulin resistant patients. Mechanism-based biomarker diagnostics are a much-needed tool in the identification and management of patients at risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said John Ryals, CEO of Metabolon. “Our partnership with Joslin gives us the opportunity to further validate the biomarkers of insulin resistance that we have identified.”
About Joslin Diabetes Center
Joslin Diabetes Center is the world’s preeminent diabetes research and clinical care organization. Joslin is dedicated to ensuring people with diabetes live long, healthy lives and offers real hope and progress toward diabetes prevention and a cure for the disease. Founded in 1898 by Elliott P. Joslin, M.D., Joslin is an independent nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School. For more information about Joslin, call 1-800-JOSLIN-1 or visit www.joslin.org.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
October 28, 2008
Visual PHIL™ Provides Visual Display of Complex Metabolomic Data
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC. (October 28, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, today announced that the company has been awarded a patent for its proprietary metabolomics software, Visual PHIL™, which provides analysis and a unique visual display of metabolomic data. The software enables the analysis of a series of raw and complex data sets being generated from a variety of instruments into one comprehensive visual display that can indicate the presence of the selected metabolites across a group of samples.
“In the past, studies were conducted through analysis of one sample at a time. This technology allows us to see a comprehensive study view—in a visual display—which enables us to more quickly, and with a higher degree of certainty, identify compounds and hone in on biomarkers,” said Michael Milburn, chief scientific officer at Metabolon. “With Metabolon’s technology, we can offer our clients insight into the biochemical and physiological state of a sample to further research in areas like toxicology and cell line development.”
Using the Visual PHIL technology, Metabolon has conducted over 200 commercial studies as well as identified biomarkers associated with a variety of indications which it is using in the commercial development of several diagnostic products.
“We have long recognized Visual PHIL as a must-have technology for metabolomics research and it has served as a critical component to Metabolon’s service and diagnostic offerings,” commented John Ryals, Ph.D., CEO of Metabolon. “This patent is another strong addition to our IP portfolio, further reinforcing the company as the clear market leader in the industry.”
The awarded patent (US Patent 7’433’787), titled “A System, Method, and Computer Program Product Using a Database in a Computing System to Compile and Compare Metabolomic Data Obtained from a Plurality of Samples”, is the latest addition to Metabolon’s extensive IP portfolio consisting of over 80 US and worldwide patents and patent applications, including broad metabolomics methods, data analysis and biomarker patents, as well as focused product patents.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
October 21, 2008
Organizations to Develop Diagnostics to Distinguish Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness; Dr. Arul Chinnai
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and ANN ARBOR, Mich. (October 21, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, and the University of Michigan today announced an agreement on the commercial development of prostate cancer diagnostics.
The agreement puts in place a number of activities to help progress Metabolon’s Prostarix™ line of prostate cancer diagnostics including an exclusive license for Metabolon to use prostate cancer aggressitivity markers that were discovered in a collaborative research project between the University of Michigan and Metabolon. This intellectual property will provide the company with a significant competitive advantage in the field of prostate cancer diagnosis and will serve as the basis for Prostarix—which is expected to be launched in late 2009. The agreement also includes a sponsored research agreement with Dr. Arun Sreekumar, assistant professor of pathology at the University of Michigan, aimed at a deeper understanding into the role the biomarkers play in the onset of aggressiveness.
“As the second major cause of cancer-related death in the US, prostate cancer creates unique challenges to accurately predict the likelihood of metastasis. Metabolon continues to work with leading researchers like those at the University of Michigan to develop easy-to-use diagnostic tools to better understand aggressiveness and metastatic potential of prostate cancer and to help doctors and patients make critical treatment decisions,” explained John Ryals, chief executive at Metabolon.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer found in men in the United States, with one in six men expected to develop the disease during his lifetime. Over 185,000 men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Development and progression of the disease are monitored using a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Once patients are diagnosed, there are several options: active surveillance, androgen deprivation or radiation therapy, or prostatectomy. These options are based on the likelihood the tumor will become metastatic and spread. However, predicting the likelihood of metastasis has traditionally been very difficult.
Dr. Arul Chinnaiyan to Join Metabolon’s Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Arul M. Chinnaiyan, M.D., Ph.D., director, Michigan Center for Translational Pathology and S.P. Hicks endowed professor of pathology, who collaborated with Metabolon in discovering the prostate cancer aggressitivity markers licensed to Metabolon by the University of Michigan, will serve as an advisor to Metabolon and join the company’s scientific advisory board.
Dr. Chinnaiyan leads a world-renowned research team in the field of prostate cancer at the University of Michigan. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan and is board certified in pathology. In 2007 he was named the Director of a new University initiative, the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology. The Center’s goal is to develop new molecular tests and therapies for human disease with the primary focus on cancer.
Dr. Chinnaiyan's laboratory is focused on using genomic, proteomic and bioinformatic approaches to dissect and understand cancer for the purposes of understanding cancer biology as well as discover biomarkers. He and his collaborators have characterized a number of biomarkers of prostate cancer including AMACR, EZH2 and hepsin. Most recently, his laboratory identified recurrent gene fusions of TMPRSS2 to ETS family transcription factors in prostate cancer, potentially redefining the molecular basis of prostate cancer as well as other common epithelial cancers. His laboratory developed the popular cancer profiling bioinformatics resource called Oncomine (www.oncomine.org). He has received a number of prestigious awards including the Pew Biomedical Scholar Award, the Amgen Outstanding Investigator Award, the Benjamin Castleman Award, the AACR Team Science Award in 2007 and the AACR Outstanding Investigator Award in 2008. Dr. Chinnaiyan has more than 170 publications to his credit, holds several U.S. patents, and is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, and the Department of Defense.
For more information, please refer to the Chinnaiyan Lab website at www.med.umich.edu/mctp/.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
September 30, 2008
Syngenta Gains Access to Leading Biochemical Profiling Technology
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (September 30, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today an expanded, multi-year agreement with Syngenta, a leading global agribusiness. Through this agreement, Syngenta will have access to Metabolon’s biochemical profiling technology for use in agricultural applications.
Metabolon has extensive experience in profiling the biochemistry of plants and how certain crop traits present themselves at the cellular level. With data generated by Metabolon, Syngenta investigators will be able to make informed decisions on crop traits much sooner in the development cycle.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Syngenta, a leading seed biotechnology company,” said John Ryals, Ph.D., president and chief executive of Metabolon. “This agreement brings Syngenta into our growing stable of commercial partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and consumer product sectors and we look forward to providing further actionable insight with our global biochemical analysis.”
This agreement expands upon initial studies performed by Metabolon for Syngenta to test the application of the technology. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Biochemical profiling, or metabolomics, is an important part of agricultural biotechnology,” said Roger Kemble, Syngenta head, Crop Genetics Research. “Metabolon’s technology provides us critical insights to the performance of our products, which will aid development of new offerings for our grower customers.”
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
September 9, 2008
Company Incorporates Life Science Veteran’s Diagnostic Expertise
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (September 9, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today the addition of Edward L. Erickson to Metabolon’s board of directors. Erickson’s addition to the board adds valuable experience in diagnostic development and commercialization.
“Ed brings extensive experience in commercializing diagnostic products to our team at a time when we are moving our diagnostic offerings in diabetes (Quantose™) and prostate cancer (Prostarix™) into development,” said John Ryals, president and chief executive of Metabolon. “We are excited to have Ed join the Metabolon board to help us bring these new offerings to the market.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Erickson said, “I am very impressed with Metabolon’s platform technology and the potential to identify and develop biomarkers across many fields of medicine.”
Erickson is a board member, advisor and consultant to several life science companies and venture capital firms. He has extensive experience in the medical products industry having served as president, CEO or as director of over a dozen such companies, four of which successfully completed IPOs during his tenure. He has overseen the development, FDA clearance and launch of several diagnostic products and platforms and has raised a total of approximately $500,000,000 in equity and debt capital in both the private and public capital markets. He received his BS and MS degrees from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
July 29, 2008
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC. (July 29, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today that it has reached an agreement to test materials developed by LS9, Inc., a pioneer in the commercial development of hydrocarbon biofuels.
Applying Metabolon’s global biochemical profiling services, researchers will seek to identify changes in metabolites occurring during biofuel production. Metabolon’s technology will assist LS9’s efforts to optimize cellular metabolism in its proprietary production process.
“As interest in the use of metabolomics has continued to grow, we have seen increased uptake from industry sectors like biofuel production,” explained John Ryals, chief executive of Metabolon. “Processes, like those at LS9, are well-suited for Metabolon’s biochemical profiling technology as we are able to provide the only true global picture of the reactions taking place at a biochemical level. This has an immediate and measurable impact on design of the fermentation processes in use which creates significant return in greater production and lowered cost.”
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
July 29, 2008
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC. (July 29, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, Inc. (CFFT), the non-profit affiliate of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, announced today the organizations will work together on a series of studies examining the chemical reactions that occur at the cellular level to help understand more about cystic fibrosis and its effect on the human body.
"Metabolon’s tools for analyzing complex biological samples will allow us to better understand the basic mechanisms of cystic fibrosis and identify potential biomarkers for disease progression,” said Diana Wetmore, vice president of alliance management for CFFT.
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that causes serious lung infections and digestive complications. It affects about 70,000 people worldwide. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce mucus that clogs the lungs, obstructs the pancreas and stops the body from breaking down and absorbing food.
“We are excited to help the Foundation bridge the gap between laboratory findings and the advancement of potential new treatments for this disease,” commented John Ryals, Metabolon’s chief executive. “Through our studies with the Foundation, we will be able to offer additional insight into biochemical processes and biomarkers to help enhance the Foundation’s extensive repository of knowledge about cystic fibrosis.
About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the leading organization focused on curing and controlling cystic fibrosis, has invested nearly $300 million in drug research with biotech companies since 1998 to develop therapies to fight CF. As a result, the Foundation has built a drug pipeline with more than 30 promising therapies in development. Virtually all of the approved CF therapies available today were made possible because of the support of the Foundation. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation has 80 chapters and branch offices and supports and accredits a nationwide network of 115 CF care centers that provide treatment and vital resources to patients and families. For more information visit www.cff.org.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
July 22, 2008
Partnership to Accelerate Pre-Diabetes Diagnostic Development
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC. (July 22, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, today announced that it is collaborating with Ralph A. DeFronzo, M.D. and colleagues at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The partnership will help drive development of Metabolon’s pre-diabetes diagnostic products as well as provide valuable data for insulin resistance and diabetes-related research.
“Our team has continuously sought key technologies that can best identify novel biomarkers relating to diabetes,” Dr. DeFronzo said. “Metabolon’s global biochemical discovery platform will shed light on the biochemical changes related to increasing insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction which contribute to the development of diabetes.”
Metabolon will be analyzing samples from various studies conducted by Dr. DeFronzo’s team to discover and validate biochemical biomarkers reflective of insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. These markers will be used to help further develop Metabolon’s diagnostic tests in the area of insulin resistance, and how this relates to risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
“It is through collaborations like this one with Dr. DeFronzo’s team that Metabolon will be able to offer a unique diagnostic test that can help physicians to identify asymptomatic, pre-diabetic patients years before they become diabetic,” said John Ryals, Ph.D., chief executive at Metabolon. “With this never-before available information in hand, doctors can actively intervene with lifestyle modifications or drug therapies which may delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.”
Dr. DeFronzo’s research team has carried out many clinical studies in the area of diabetes research, specifically addressing the major pathophysiological pathways that lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, including insulin resistance and pancreatic dysfunction. Upon receiving American Diabetes Association’s prestigious Banting Award at this year’s ADA meeting, Dr. DeFronzo gave an illuminating lecture on type 2 diabetes outlining the multiple organs and metabolic pathways involved in a patient’s progression to diabetes.
About Dr. Ralph DeFronzo
Dr. DeFronzo is professor of medicine and chief of the Diabetes Division at the UT Health Science Center. He is also a staff physician for the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Division, as well as deputy director of the Texas Diabetes Institute, a facility of the University Health System.
Dr. DeFronzo has combined the disciplines of clinical and basic laboratory investigation to explore type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome. He was the first to provide unequivocal evidence that type 2 diabetic patients were severely resistant to insulin. In addition to his many basic and fundamental clinical observations in diabetes, Dr. DeFronzo has made major contributions to the development of new interventional strategies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Dr. DeFronzo has been an active ADA volunteer in many scientific, clinical, and educational activities for the last 30 years. As a member of the ADA’s Legal Advisory Committee, Dr. DeFronzo has organized a group of U.S. diabetologists who assist the legal community in preventing discrimination against individuals with diabetes. Dr. DeFronzo has published over 500 primary articles in peer-reviewed journals and has had 36 consecutive years of funding from the National Institute of Health (through 2011) and 20 consecutive years of Veterans Affairs funding for his research.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
July 21, 2008
mVision To Be Used For Bioprocess Optimization
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (July 21, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today the implementation of its metabolomics technology at Pfizer’s Bioprocess R&D Group. This global biochemical profiling technology, called mVision, will provide analysis of samples from bioreactors. Using mVision, Pfizer will be able to rapidly understand cellular metabolism in the biopharmaceutical production process, which in turn will enable Pfizer to optimize bioprocesses and to reduce manufacture costs.
The use of metabolomics for bioprocess optimization is a novel application for the latest of the “omics” technologies. The global analysis of biochemicals provides a snapshot of the metabolic state of cells as they grow in a bioreactor.
These cells grow in a nutrient-rich media, using nutrients to produce the protein of interest. In many cases, an essential nutrient is depleted more rapidly than the others, causing the cells to stop growing. By analyzing hundreds of nutrients over time, the rate-limiting component can rapidly be identified. In addition to producing the desired protein product, cells produce metabolites which can be toxic to the cells. Given the large number of metabolites produced in a cell, only a global analysis can identify the toxic species.
“Pfizer’s commitment to our platform demonstrates the power of metabolomics for understanding complex systems like bioreactors,” said John Ryals, president and chief executive of Metabolon. “By monitoring a large number of biochemicals in a bioreactor process, customers can quickly uncover areas for optimization. Traditionally, scientists have monitored only a handful of parameters to optimize bioprocessing. With our approach, they can monitor ten times the number of parameters.”
"The ultimate goal for Pfizer is to achieve molecular-level knowledge of cellular metabolism in industrially relevant mammalian cell lines,” said Ellen McCormick, director of the Bioprocess Research and Development organization in Pfizer’s Global Research and Development division. “We seek this information to enable rationale design of process improvements and cell line selection, toward improved quality, robustness and productivity of our biotherapeutic manufacturing processes."
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
July 15, 2008
Researchers Gain Preferred Access to Metabolomics Technology
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC. (July 15, 2008) —Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today the continuation and expansion of a multi-study agreement with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, a global and research-driven pharmaceutical company. The expanded partnership will give researchers at Mitsubishi Tanabe preferred access to Metabolon’s global biochemical profiling services.
Completing research studies using Metabolon’s services, Mitsubishi Tanabe has gained insight into new drugs and streamlined their development. As part of the new agreement, Mitsubishi Tanabe has committed several upcoming research studies to Metabolon.
“For progressive partners like Mitsubishi Tanabe, we are able to offer the fastest turn-around of valuable biochemical information that the research groups at Mitsubishi Tanabe are seeking,” commented John Ryals, president and CEO of Metabolon. “Expanding relationships like this one with Mitsubishi Tanabe is continued validation of Metabolon’s ability to impact the development of drugs and diagnostics.”
Metabolon and Mitsubishi Tanabe are in the process of publishing joint study results in peer-reviewed publications and have presented posters at events like The Society of Toxicology. Some of these results were also outlined in a recent webinar hosted by Metabolon. Please visit www.metabolon.com for more information about these and other research published by Metabolon’s clients.
About Metabolon Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Japan, specializes in developing and marketing globally competitive pharmaceutical products in the fields of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, brain and nerve diseases, and renal and urinary system diseases. The Company, established through the merger of Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation in October 2007, drives for the expansion of its operations and the reinforcement of its future growth with the aim of becoming a global research-driven pharmaceutical company and taking on the challenge of new business opportunities. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is committed to protect the health of people around the world and contribute to comfortable lifestyles through creating pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit the web site at www.mt-pharma.co.jp.
June 10, 2008
Company Continues to Expand Intellectual Property Protection
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (June 10, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today that the company has been awarded another metabolomics patent. The newly issued patent further expands the domain of previously issued patents to include multiple disease states related to nervous systems disorders including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, depression and schizophrenia.
“Metabolon has assembled the most substantial IP portfolio in the metabolomics and small molecule diagnostics industries,” said John Ryals, chief executive at Metabolon. “We have strategically built an IP estate comprised of trademarks, copyrights and patents, including broad metabolomics methods, data analysis and biomarker patents, and focused product patents that protect critical points along our value chain.”
Metabolon’s patent portfolio is comprised of over 75 US and worldwide patents and patent applications, including many ground-breaking patents in the field of metabolomics. This includes Metabolon’s unique position as the exclusive license holder of the Daouk-Kristal patent family comprised of pioneering patent applications for the use of metabolomics in drug discovery, disease treatment and diagnosis, giving the company a strong competitive advantage in the marketplace.
“Building a solid IP portfolio is without question critical to any life science organization’s success,” Metabolon’s Director of Research and Intellectual Property, Kay Lawton, Ph.D., commented. “In the rapidly growing field of metabolomics, we have been able to create a strong competitive position by obtaining many of the pioneering patents that will continue to drive Metabolon and the industry forward in small molecule biomarker identification and diagnostics.”
Pending data analysis and software patents cover critical aspects of the company’s metabolomics platform, including collection and analysis of the massive amounts of data generated by metabolomics experiments. In addition, Metabolon has pending patents directed to small molecule biomarkers related to drug action, toxicity, carcinogens, aging and numerous other diseases and disorders.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com
June 4, 2008
Biochemical Profiling Service Tailored for Scientists in Academic and Government Institutions
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (June 4, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today the availability of mView™, a data-rich biochemical profiling service for scientists in academic and government institutions.
mView will leverage the power of Metabolon’s platform technology in a format designed for academic and government labs. Offering online study submission and rapid completion times, mView represents an economical opportunity to answer important biological questions.
“We recognize the unique needs of the academic and government sectors for metabolomic-based analysis. mView is designed to provide these investigators with an affordable, global analysis of hundreds of analytes in a sample,” commented John Ryals, chief executive of Metabolon. “A high degree of precision and quick turn-around also helps to achieve important research goals and complete grant submissions.”
Metabolon’s validated platform technology, the backbone of all Metabolon’s services and diagnostic offerings, offers global analysis and identification of hundreds of biochemicals (the metabolome) in complex biological samples. It provides a detailed comparison of how biochemicals change in response to experimental variables as well as sophisticated statistical analysis for detecting significant changes across those biochemicals.
Ryals continued, “As a result of our significant progress in automating the generation of biochemical data, Metabolon is now able to offer the mView service. We believe that this new offering is an important step in bringing practical, cost-effective metabolomic solutions to academic and government researchers.”
To submit study specifications, receive detailed pricing and to learn more about Metabolon’s mView services offering, please visit our services page.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com
April 2, 2008
Metabolomics Technology Identifies Predictive Age-Related Biomarkers
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (April 2, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today the publication of research on the identification of biochemical markers of aging. The research, appearing in the April edition of Pharmacogenomics, studied 269 subjects, ranging in age from 20 to 65 years old.
A recent guest on the "Live to Be 150…Can You Do It?" special with Barbara Walters, David Sinclair, Ph.D., associate professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School and director of the Glenn Laboratories for Biological Mechanisms of Aging, commented on the research, “These are very interesting results. Although numerous studies have been done on aging, this is the first global metabolomics study which provides a glimpse into how one’s metabolic profile dramatically changes with age.”
“As one grows older the aging process has a profound effect on the biochemistry of blood,” explained Dr. Mike Milburn, Ph.D., Metabolon’s chief scientific officer and lead researcher on the study. “Because we are able to easily identify and analyze these age-related biochemical changes, this research could be used to develop a simple test which compares one’s chronological age to a biochemical age index. This biochemical age index could then be used to help guide lifestyle changes by indicating a true metabolic age.”
Conducting analysis using Metabolon’s proprietary biochemical profiling platform, blood samples from each patient revealed well over 100 biochemical markers (biomarkers) showing significant age-related changes. While some of the individual markers identified in this study have previously been identified by researchers as related to age, Metabolon’s unique global analysis provided unprecedented insight into the vast array of markers in a single analysis. By comparing the chronological age of the subjects to this global view of age-related biomarkers, the research demonstrates the ability to measure a person’s metabolic age.
The published paper detailing this study is available online at http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/pdf/10.2217/14622416.9.4.383.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com
March 25, 2008
Partners HealthCare Investigators Gain Preferred Access to Metabolon’s Biochemical Biomarker Discovery Platform
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC and BOSTON, MASS. (March 25, 2008)—Metabolon,Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, and the Harvard-Partners Center for Genetics and Genomics (HPCGG), a collaborative program dedicated to promoting genetics and genomics in research and clinical medicine, announced today that they have signed an agreement to develop an improved diagnostic test for enabling a more accurate dosing of warfarin. Warfarin, a blood thinning agent prescribed extensively during the last 50 years, causes more than 700,000 adverse events per year due to improper dosing (JAMA 2006; 296).
There are several academic and commercial efforts currently underway, including the Partners CROWN trial (described below), aimed at examining the effectiveness of stratifying patients for warfarin dosing based on a patient’s genetics. Now, in addition to studying the impact of genetics on warfarin dosing, HPCGG seeks to also examine whether a patient’s metabolomic profile might also increase the likelihood of dosing warfarin correctly.
Dr. Raju Kucherlapati, director at HPCGG commented, “If we can improve the accuracy of warfarin dosing by our clinicians, even by modest percentages, we will increase the likelihood that patients will respond to therapy and ultimately we will reduce serious medical complications of therapy. Metabolon’s biomarker discovery platform gives us the opportunity to find biochemical markers that along with genetic variations might help characterize the differences between patients’ metabolism of warfarin.”
Patient samples for the study are being collected as part of the ongoing Partners HealthCare "Creating an Optimal Warfarin Nomogram" (CROWN) trial, which is a prospective dosing study utilizing genetic testing to determine the optimal warfarin dose and how this information can be used for clinical care. Sample collection for the diagnostic development should be complete early summer 2008, with the metabolomic analysis being conducted by Metabolon thereafter. Upon completion of the study, both HPCGG and Metabolon expect to report results from the collaboration in a peer-reviewed publication.
Also announced today, Partners HealthCare investigators have received preferred access to Metabolon’s global biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon currently provides these services to the top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as other agriculture, consumer product and bioprocessing organizations. These services provide for the extraction, identification and quantitation of hundreds of small molecule biochemicals in a given biological sample. Significantly altered metabolites are then highlighted in extensive biochemical interpretation provided by Metabolon scientists.
“We are very excited about initiating a long-term relationship with the Partners HealthCare research teams,” said Dr. John Ryals, president and CEO of Metabolon. “Our work on the warfarin diagnostic coupled with the broad access to our discovery platform now available to the Partners HealthCare investigators, will firmly establish Metabolon’s impact on the development and delivery of diagnostics to critical areas within patient care.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About The Harvard-Partners Center for Genetics and Genomics
Harvard Medical School and Partners HealthCare established the Center for Genetics and Genomics in 2001. The Center's mission includes an academic focus in human genetics and genomics and leadership in research and application of new discoveries. In addition, the Center's goals include applying genetics and genomics to more accurately diagnose and treat patients served by Partners hospitals and expanding the knowledge of genetics and genomics to encompass all areas of medicine.
Partners HealthCare, based in Boston was founded by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to its two academic medical centers, the Partners system also includes community and specialty hospitals, community health centers, a physician network, home health and long-term care services, and other health-related entities. Partners HealthCare is one of the nation's leading biomedical research organizations and a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Partners HealthCare is a non-profit organization.
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
March 18, 2008
Partnership to Accelerate Pre-Diabetes Diagnostic Development
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (March 18, 2008)—Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery and analysis, announced today a collaboration with the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR).
The EGIR has compiled large numbers of biological samples from studies conducted at 19 clinical research centers across Europe as part of their effort to understand insulin resistance and how it affects disease. Metabolon will discover and validate the biomarkers found in these samples that relate to insulin resistance. These markers will be used to help further develop Metabolon’s diagnostic test for pre-diabetic patients.
“This collaboration with EGIR will help Metabolon accelerate the development of Quantose™ IR, our diagnostic test for better screening of pre-diabetic patients,” remarked Dr. John Ryals, president and CEO of Metabolon. “This routine test will help identify pre-diabetic patients years before they become diabetic. With this information in hand, doctors can intervene with lifestyle or drug therapies which may delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.”
Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s tissues are less responsive to insulin, the hormone that controls blood glucose levels and its metabolism. Insulin resistance is associated with people who are overweight, physically inactive or have other metabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia.
Insulin resistance is estimated to affect about one-third of the adult population in the U.S. alone—approximately 75 million people. Known as one of the primary contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance is characteristically an asymptomatic condition that precedes the development of diabetes by many years. People with insulin resistance may appear healthy, however if undetected and unmanaged, insulin resistance can lead to long-term chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“We are excited to be working with Metabolon in analyzing our samples,” said Dr. Ele Ferrannini, principal investigator at the University of Pisa and coordinator of the EGIR’s Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease (RISC) project. “Their biomarker discovery platform will give us valuable insight into the biochemical changes related to insulin resistance.”
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry’s leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers and pathways associated with drug action and disease. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.com.
About EGIR
The European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR) is a multi-disciplinary group of investigators with different research backgrounds—epidemiology, endocrinology, basic science and public health—interested in insulin resistance. The first combined activity of the group was a data-pooling project from hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp experiments performed in 21 centers across Europe. This unique database has now produced 11 publications. EGIR holds annual meetings in different European cities, each hosted by one of its members. Presentations are given by members of the group and by invited speakers working in the field of insulin resistance and related subjects. In 2001 the EGIR project Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease (RISC) was awarded funding by the European Commission to carry out a project examining the effects of insulin resistance in healthy people (without diabetes or hypertension). The project started in 2002 and the three-year follow up examinations are in the process of being completed. The project has produced seven publications and more are in preparation. For more information on EGIR and RISC, see www.egir.org
March 6, 2008
Enhancements Will Significantly Increase Speed and Resolution of Comprehensive Biochemical Profiling
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (March 6, 2008) – Metabolon, Inc., the leader in metabolomics-driven biomarker discovery, announced today the launch of its third generation metabolomics platform. The new platform powers the company's mVision™ global biochemical profiling service as well as their diagnostic product development. This third generation technology platform enables greater speed and resolution for the discovery of biochemical markers from numerous chemical classes and various sample matrices further extending Metabolon's leadership position in the metabolomics services space.
The new platform is based on three separate analytical systems: An ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) system with positive ion MS/MS, a second UHPLC-MS/MS system with negative ion MS/MS and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. The three systems together provide analysis of the broadest range of biochemicals in complex samples such as plasma and urine. The novel software tools automatically process millions of raw data points from the three data streams and rapidly distinguish between biochemical signals and background noise. By comparing signals to a proprietary database, the biochemicals are identified and quantified.
“These significant improvements in our platform represent a quantum leap in the five year evolution of our metabolomics capabilities,” says John Ryals, Ph.D, President and CEO of Metabolon. “By implementing these enhancements, we can take a complex sample, such as blood, and rapidly identify hundreds of biochemicals and metabolites. In fact, we believe that our analysis can now positively identify more biochemical species in biological samples than any other commercial metabolomics platform.”
“Our third platform will greatly expand the amount of meaningful biochemical information we deliver to our clients," reports Dr. Mike Milburn, Metabolon's chief scientific officer. "Not only are we able to identify more biochemical markers than before, but we have dramatically reduced the time it takes to identify those markers. In addition, the platform will further accelerate the development of our diagnostic products.”
About Metabolon
Metabolon is a high-value diagnostic and services company using the industry’s best biochemical profiling technology platform. Metabolon’s patented platform provides a global, comprehensive analysis of biological samples for the discovery of biochemical biomarkers. This metabolomics-based approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics (prognostics, theranostics, companion diagnostics). In addition, Metabolon’s services provide biochemical markers and information for understanding complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology, and bioprocess monitoring.