RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and HOUSTON, Oct. 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metabolon, Inc., a global leader in metabolomics, announced today that its Global Metabolomic-Assisted Pathway Screen (MAPS) technology was verified for clinical triaging of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) in a proof-of-concept study conducted by the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine.
Data supporting this verification were the subject of an oral presentation by Baylor researchers at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 64th Annual Meeting in San Diego on October 21. Results of the study demonstrate that metabolomic profiling has the potential to detect a wide range of IEMs and could represent an attractive initial screening option for other diseases with a suspected biochemical, genetic origin.
"Metabolomic profiling gives us an astonishingly rich view of a patient's metabolic disturbances through a single test," stated Arthur Beaudet, M.D., professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor. "Global MAPS correctly identified 20 of the 21 disorders in our panel that can be screened in blood plasma. Importantly, we know that many different biochemical tests would have been required to achieve a similar outcome in our laboratory."
"These results indicate that our platform has the potential to be an efficient, first-line phenotyping tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of IEMs, as well as other genetic diseases," commented John Ryals, Ph.D., president and CEO of Metabolon. "We're pleased to continue working with Baylor to expand the clinical use of Global MAPS and look forward to further building our personalized medicine franchise based on this success. This result suggests that metabolomic profiling may be far more effective than currently available biochemical tests and reduce unnecessary testing."
About Inborn Errors of Metabolism
IEMs are inherited metabolic disorders that prevent the body from converting one chemical compound to another, or from transporting a compound in or out of cells or from one cellular compartment to another. These processes are necessary for essentially all bodily functions. Most IEMs are caused by defects in the enzymes that help process nutrients, which result in an accumulation of toxic substances or a deficiency of substances needed for normal body function. Making a swift, accurate diagnosis of an IEM and prescribing the appropriate diet and/or medication are critical in preventing brain damage, organ damage and even death. While there are several hundred recognized IEMs, state public health programs only screen for about 40 disorders or fewer at birth, according to the National Institutes of Health.
About Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) in Houston is recognized as a premier academic health sciences center and is known for excellence in education, research and patient care. It is ranked 21st among medical schools for research and 12th for primary care by U.S. News & World Report. Baylor is listed 19th among all U.S. medical schools for National Institutes of Health funding and No. 1 in Texas. Located in the Texas Medical Center, Baylor has affiliations with seven teaching hospitals and jointly owns and operates CHI St. Luke's Health, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. Currently, Baylor trains more than 3,000 medical, graduate, nurse anesthesia, physician assistant and orthotics students, as well as residents and post-doctoral fellows.
About Metabolon
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 delivering biomarker discoveries, innovative diagnostic tests, breakthroughs in personalized medicine, and robust partnerships in genomics-based health initiatives. Metabolon's expertise is also accelerating research and product development for more than 600 clients across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consumer products, agriculture, pet care and nutrition industries. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, the company has conducted almost 4,000 independent and collaborative studies, resulting in nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications. For more information, please visit www.metabolon.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
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; the clinical utility of Metabolon's metabolomic services; 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.