RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metabolon, Inc. , the global leader in metabolomics, announced that results from a study of its Quantose IGT™ test were recently published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology . The study provided data that supports the clinical validity of the test for assessing impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), a state of prediabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with IGT have a relatively high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recognizing IGT is important in the prevention and management of these serious conditions.
"This study verified that the Quantose IGT test accurately reflects IGT, which may provide the opportunity for earlier clinical intervention that could help curb the epidemic of type 2 diabetes," stated Eric Button, Senior Vice President of Diagnostics at Metabolon. "We look forward to bringing this new test to the market in the coming months."
Quantose IGT is designed to easily identify IGT using a single, fasted blood draw. This simple test is a convenient surrogate for the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the currently accepted clinical practice for measuring IGT. Although the OGTT can effectively measure IGT, patients must fast prior to having the test, and after establishing a fasting glucose level by means of a blood draw, the patient must then drink a glucose-rich beverage and undergo multiple blood draws over the course of about two hours. Because it is time consuming and can cause patients to feel nauseated, sweaty or lightheaded, the OGTT is unpopular with primary care physicians and patients.
Metabolon's metabolomic profiling technology identified a number of metabolites whose fasting levels are associated with dysglycemia and type 2 diabetes. These metabolites are the basis of an alternative test for IGT. Metabolon developed Quantose IGT using fasting plasma samples taken just prior to an OGTT from 1,623 nondiabetic subjects from two different cohorts: 955 from the Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease Study (RISC Study; 11.7% IGT) and 668 subjects from the Diabetes Mellitus and Vascular Health Initiative (DMVhi) cohort from the DEXLIFE project (11.8% IGT).
About Quantose IGT
Quantose IGT is a laboratory-developed test (LDT) that reflects the degree of impaired glucose tolerance. Impaired glucose tolerance is a core metabolic defect in dysglycemia and is a known risk factor for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Quantose IGT is a convenient surrogate for the oral glucose tolerance test.
About Metabolon
Metabolon, Inc. is the world's leading 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 more than 4,000 independent and collaborative studies, resulting in nearly 425 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.
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