Metabolon agrees to provide biochemical profiling services to Human Longevity

Mar 5 2014

Metabolon, Inc., the world's leading commercial-stage metabolomics company, announces the signing of an agreement with newly-launched Human Longevity Inc. (HLI), whereby Metabolon will provide biochemical profiling services to assist HLI in its mission to tackle diseases of aging by building the world's largest and most complete human genotype, microbiome and phenotype database. In the initial term of the agreement Metabolon will carry out small molecule analysis of 10,000 subjects and collaborate with HLI to map changes in the small molecules to end points of disease and gene mutations.

HLI cofounders are J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Robert Hariri, M.D., Ph.D. and Peter H. Diamandis, M.D. Dr. Venter, who is well known for leading Celera to the successful sequencing of the human genome, has been a member of Metabolon's Scientific Advisory Board since 2003.

Under the agreement Metabolon will apply its leading metabolomics technology to augment the genetic and microbiome information HLI is collecting. Metabolon's metabolomic approach identifies the full complement of metabolites present in a human biological specimen. Metabolomics is important because quantifying and understanding the full picture of circulating biochemicals in the body can help researchers get a clearer picture of that individual's health status, and provide markers and pathways associated with disease and drug action. In addition, Metabolon will collaborate with HLI to identify small molecule biomarkers of disease, which Metabolon may then use to develop small molecule diagnostic tests.

Commenting on the agreement Dr. Venter said, "The establishment of HLI is the next step beyond the sequencing of the human genome, and may at last provide useful clinical information for the treatment of disease that was lacking from genome mapping alone. Metabolon is a visionary and leader in the field of metabolomics, and I have great confidence in the company's technology and ability to add significant value to HLI. Because of my position as a member of Metabolon's Scientific Advisory Board, I have a deep personal appreciation of the company's impressive methods and scientific expertise."

John Ryals, Ph.D., Metabolon's chief executive officer, said, "We are delighted to be aligned with HLI and the world-renowned scientific minds behind this new company. It is thrilling to have the opportunity to make key contributions to the study of aging and we look forward to realizing the benefits of discovery."

SOURCE Metabolon, Inc.