Metabolon Issued Metabolomics Patent

Metabolon, Inc. has announced the issuance of United States Patent 7,005,255, titled "Methods for drug discovery, disease treatment, and diagnosis using metabolomics."

The patent broadly covers metabolomic methods used to identify the molecular profiles, or biomarkers, seen in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease).

Beyond ALS research, Metabolon's technology is being applied to numerous disease categories and across multiple stages of research.

Since the technology can be applied to virtually any disease, this patent represents the first step in a comprehensive portfolio of patents that will position Metabolon as the leading solutions provider in metabolomics.

"Metabolon is a pioneer in the development of metabolomics and has filed broadly to protect methods and discoveries arising from the use of metabolomic technology," said Dr. John Ryals, president and CEO of Metabolon.

"This patent is an important milestone for Metabolon and represents the beginning of a steady stream of issued claims that will define the future of this technology."

The invention includes methods for generating and analyzing small molecule profiles, identifying potential therapeutic targets for drug development and determining which individuals are likely to respond to therapy.

Metabolon's technology applies to both genetic- and nongenetic-linked disease states and can be used to predict drug response based on genetic and nongenetic factors.

"Using Metabolon's differentiated solutions for metabolomic analysis, we have been able to advance ALS research with a new level of accuracy and speed," said Merit Cudkowicz, M.D., M.Sc., associate professor at Harvard Medical School and a study investigator.

"The results of this research have provided us with a promising profile of biomarkers that, with further research, may be used to help identify ALS patients earlier and predict which patients will respond to therapeutic intervention."