Nov 27, 2021

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Metabolon , a Research Triangle Park precision medicine company, has unveiled a new platform and tool to help visualize the metabolome. The metabolome refers to the complete set of small-molecule chemicals found within a biological sample. Metabolon’s Microbiome SmartPanel, the company said, “demystifies” the gut microbiome by zeroing in on biologically relevant microbial and host-derived metabolites, along with xenobiotic molecules, to reveal “deep insight” into microbiome function and its impact on host health. Meanwhile, its proprietary Heliogram visualization tool allows users to explore 13 microbiome pathways for rapid connectivity to the impact of therapeutic interventions on the host microbiome. Metabolon’s Microbiome SmartPanel. — Metabolon photo “Metabolomics is an untapped, under-appreciated biological resource,” said Rangaprasad (Ranga) Sarangarajan, Ph.D., Metabolon’s chief scientific officer. “It can significantly contribute to the evolution of healthcare system technologies because the insights revealed influence almost every aspect of health, treatment of diseases, and health outcomes.” Founded in 2000, Metabolon specializes in a technology called metabolomics, which is the large-scale study of small molecules, commonly known as metabolites, within cells, biofluids, tissues or organisms. The company said it plans to unveil additional SmartPanel offerings in the coming months. In addition, the company is developing novel methods for a number of targeted assays, which can be validated up to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements if needed. “This is the beginning of a robust portfolio of new dynamic and easy-to-understand metabolomics solutions,” said Rohan Hastie, Ph.D., Metabolon’s president and CEO. “Our belief is that by making metabolomics solutions more accessible for use by the broader market, we can make it possible for more drug developers to leverage the power of metabolomics to develop new therapies to improve patient care.” In September 2020, Metabolon wrapped up a new round of fundraising with $72 million in debt and equity. Investors in the $72 million round include Perceptive Advisors, EW Healthcare Partners and other previous investors. (C) N.C. Biotech Center