Metabolon receives patent for biomarkers to determine PPAR-affecting drugs

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 13^th patent issued to Metabolon and the second in its portfolio of biomarker patents.

“Biomarkers of Metabolic Responses to Hepatic Drugs”

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.