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Metabolon Awarded US Patent for Metabolic Biomarkers of Efficacy of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor (PPAR) Affecting Drugs
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Research Triangle Park, NC -- Metabolon, Inc., leaders in global metabolomics, biomarker discovery and biochemical analysis, announced today the grant of US Patent 7,807,138 entitled “Biomarkers of Metabolic Responses to Hepatic Drugs”. The USPTO awarded the patent to Metabolon on October 5, 2010. This is the 13thpatent issued to Metabolon and the second in its portfolio of biomarker patents.
The patent claims cover biomarker combinations for determining the efficacy of PPAR-affecting drugs on a subject. PPARs are nuclear receptors that are activated by lipids and play critical roles in the catabolism and storage of fatty acids. Since PPAR modulation can normalize metabolic dysfunctions and reduce some cardiovascular risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) the receptors are valuable pharmacological targets. Thiazolidinediones are PPARgamma agonists and insulin sensitizers that improve insulin resistance in T2D patients. Fibrates are PPARalpha agonists that can correct dyslipidemia. However, both classes of drugs have associated detrimental side effects and on-going research is focused on developing new drugs that minimize the harmful effects while maximizing the protective effects. The newly patented biomarkers were developed to facilitate the discovery and development of novel PPAR agonists with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity.
Metabolon is the exclusive license holder of the Daouk-Kristal patent family which is comprised of early, pioneering patents and patent applications which provide fundamental IP in the field of metabolomics. Metabolon’s previously issued patents include the use of metabolomics for determining biomarkers for disease, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, depression and schizophrenia, and for evaluating chemical agents for therapeutic effects and toxicity. Metabolon also owns patents relating to software designed for analyzing metabolomics data.
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 or contact Matt Zaske at mzaske@metabolon.com or 919-595-2200.
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