Researchers from Metabolon and Massachusetts General Hospital will be involved in a project to identify unique metabolic signatures for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (August 9, 2004) – Metabolon, Inc. today announced its collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital on a new biomarker study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Metabolon and Massachusetts General Hospital researchers will work together on Metabolic Signatures in ALS, a study to identify unique metabolic signatures for ALS that will lead to a more rapid and accurate diagnostic test using biomarkers found in cerebrospinal fluid and blood.

Metabolon will test samples obtained from patients using its industry-leading metabolomics platform that searches for signatures of ALS by measuring the spectrum of biochemical changes and mapping these changes to metabolic pathways. In pilot studies, Metabolon has established metabolic profiles from the blood of ALS patients for comparison with profiles from control groups. Metabolon will be able to extend its findings by expanding the study to a larger sample set and analyzing the profiles in cerebrospinal fluid.

“This is a continuation of Metabolon's focus to find a faster diagnostic process for ALS that will lead to more effective therapy and potentially new therapeutics in the treatment of this devastating disease,” said Dr. John Ryals , president and CEO of Metabolon.

About Metabolon:
Metabolon is an industry leader in the application of metabolomics, a powerful and new scientific approach for the discovery and development of drugs and the early diagnosis of disease states. Seasoned and successful entrepreneurs, as well as scientific pioneers, make up Metabolon's executive management team and boards.

Metabolon's patent-pending technology is poised to dramatically impact drug discovery and development processes by accurately measuring the spectrum of biochemical changes and mapping these changes to metabolic pathways. Metabolon's technology can identify safer compounds for development, shorten the time for drugs to get to market and identify diagnostic markers for earlier disease detection.

Metabolon's venture investors include The Aurora Funds, The Trelys Funds and Alexandria Real Estate Equities. For additional information, visit www.metabolon.com .

Back to Portfolio News