RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metabolon, Inc., a global leader in metabolomics, announced today that it has partnered with Metdia Biotech, S.L. to commercialize its Quantose IR™ and Quantose IGT™ prediabetes tests in Europe. These laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) can be used in the risk assessment, monitoring and, with appropriate intervention, prevention of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Metdia will market the tests to hospitals and clinical laboratories in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria.
"Diabetes is a significant global health concern, and the costs to society are high and growing rapidly," said Oscar Rodríguez, director of Metdia Biotech. "According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 55 million adults in the European Region are coping with diabetes every day. Another 66 million have impaired glucose tolerance, a known risk factor for prediabetes. Tests using Metabolon's Quantose technology provide cost-effective assessment tools that help physicians identify patients with prediabetes and monitor the impact of therapeutic interventions. If prediabetes is caught early, physicians can prescribe treatment that might prevent progression to type 2 diabetes."
"Licensing our Quantose IR and Quantose IGT technology to Metdia in Europe is an important next step in expanding the availability of these obesity-related diagnostic tests outside the U.S.," stated John Ryals, Ph.D., president and CEO at Metabolon. "We are confident in Metdia's broad knowledge of the molecular diagnostics market in Europe. Earlier this year, Quantose IR became commercially available in Mexico through Patia Biopharma, a leading Latin American diabetes public health company. We are delighted to see our technology available to contribute to the health of millions of people in these two major markets."
Most people with prediabetes do not know they have it. A person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, individuals with prediabetes are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, for which there is no cure. Research has shown that many of the complications associated with diabetes are already developing during the prediabetes phase. Diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation.
About Quantose IR
Quantose IR is an LDT that reflects insulin resistance. This blood test is based on insulin and three non-glycemic biomarkers. It assesses risk of progression to prediabetes earlier than traditional glycemic measures such a hemoglobin A1c. By reflecting insulin resistance, Quantose IR provides clinicians with useful information that goes beyond glycemic measures to stratify their patients by level of insulin sensitivity.
About Quantose IGT
Quantose IGT is an LDT that reflects the degree of impaired glucose tolerance. Impaired glucose tolerance is a core metabolic defect in dysglycemia and is a known risk factor for prediabetes. Quantose IGT may be used as an alternative to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or to identify patients who may be candidates for an OGTT.
About Metdia Biotech
Metdia Biotech, S.L. is a Spanish biomedical company focused on providing European citizens with disruptive technologies and devices to prevent, diagnose and monitor the treatment of prediabetes and diabetes.
About Metabolon
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Metabolon, Inc. is the world's most advanced life sciences company focused on metabolomics – an integrative, powerful phenotyping technology for assessing health. Its proprietary platforms and informatics are driving biomarker discoveries, innovative diagnostic tests, breakthroughs in personalized medicine, and active partnerships in genomics-based health initiatives. Metabolon is also advancing research and product development across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consumer products, agricultural, pet care and nutrition industries, as well as government and academic institutions. The company has conducted more than 3,000 collaborative studies with over 600 clients, resulting in nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications. For more information, please visit www.metabolon.com.
Cautionary Note about Forward-Looking Statements
The materials provided herein that are not historical facts are or might constitute projections and other forward-looking statements regarding future events that involve substantial risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of these assumptions prove to be incorrect, Metabolon's results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above include, but are not limited to: the uncertainties inherent in biochemical research and development; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve diagnostic tests; Metabolon's and its distributors' ability to successfully commercialize and market both new and existing products; governmental laws and regulations affecting health care, including access, pricing and reimbursement of diagnostic tests; the strength of Metabolon's intellectual property portfolio; Metabolon's history of operating losses; whether Metabolon is able to achieve or sustain profitability; its highly competitive industry; its ability to compete effectively; security and privacy risks; and Metabolon's ability to continue to innovate and provide products and services that are useful to its clients, among other risks, uncertainties and assumptions.