Metabolon secures another U.S. patent for genetic technology

Posted June 12, 2008

Metabolon secures another U.S. patent for genetic technology

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Research Triangle Park, N.C. —

Metabolon has received another U.S. patent for its technology regarding study and use of metabolomics.

The venture-backed company now holds three U.S. patents and has filed for many more in the U.S. as well as around the world.

Investors in Metabolon include Aurora Funds and Trelys Funds.

Metabolon has developed patented technology around metabolomics (an approach to identifying biomarkers) that it says will "dramatically impact drug discovery and development processes." Metabolomics is the study of small molecules, such as glucose and cholesterol that are produced by cellular metabolism. The metabolome is the catalog of those molecules in a specific organism.

The technology can be used to identify safer compounds for drug development and thus shorten time to market. Metabolon also says biomarkers can indicate an early presence of a disease.

Metabolon has received patents covering metabolomics and nervous systems disorders such as 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 officer of 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.”

Other patent applications seek coverage for data analysis and software the firm as developed plus small molecule biomarker research in drug action, toxicity, carcinogens, aging and other diseases and disorders.