Metabolon and Dian Enter Into Metabolomics Laborat

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metabolon, Inc. , the global leader in metabolomics, announced today that it has entered into a joint laboratory licensing agreement with Zhejiang Dian Diagnostics Co., Ltd. (“Dian”), one of China’s largest chains of independent medical laboratories. Dian will establish Metabolon’s proprietary Discovery HD4™ platform in their brand new, state-of-the-art laboratory in Hangzhou and use their extensive market presence to commercialize Metabolon’s metabolomics-based products and services throughout China.

The partnership enables Dian to promote Metabolon’s products for research use in pharmaceutical, consumer goods, agricultural, academic and clinical applications, as well as support large-cohort population studies throughout the Chinese market. The agreement also provides the opportunity to negotiate additional future licenses to commercialize new precision medicine and diagnostics products.

Discovery HD4 screens the largest, most diverse metabolite library in the industry and leverages Metabolon’s proprietary software to deliver the most accurate and comprehensive metabolomics data available. This data is currently being used by life sciences researchers to gain immediately actionable information and understand genomic and other -omic data.

“Establishing the Discovery HD4 platform in China allows Metabolon to better serve current and future customers in this significant market with our advanced metabolomics technology,” said Metabolon CEO John Ryals, PhD. “Dian is well-positioned as a leader in clinical and research markets, and we look forward to working with them to expand our opportunities in life sciences research, commercial, diagnostics and precision medicine markets.”

"As one of the largest independent medical laboratories in China, Dian has consistently focused on technology innovation as its key strategy for sustainable growth,” said Chen Haibin, Dian chairman and CEO. “Dian’s collaboration with Metabolon, a world-leading company in metabolomics, will bring a cutting-edge platform to the Chinese market to assist clients and promote the application of advanced clinical tests. I am very confident in the success of this collaboration and look forward to the opportunity to work with Metabolon in the areas of diagnostics and precision medicine."

About Metabolomics Metabolomics is the study of small molecules called metabolites and is a powerful phenotyping technology for life sciences research and precision medicine. It measures changes in metabolite levels and maps them to the appropriate biochemical pathways to give researchers and clinicians a better understanding of health and the influences of genes, microbiome, diet, lifestyle and drug treatment.

About DIAN Zhejiang Dian Diagnostics Co., Ltd. engages in the sale, outsourcing, research and development of medical diagnostic products and services for general and specialized hospitals, community health service centers, medical centers, and disease prevention and control centers. Dian (Stock Code: 300244), founded in 2001, is now one of China’s largest chains of independent medical laboratories. The company has established 21 independent laboratories in 18 provinces and cities to provide "product + service" integrated total solutions for medical diagnosis in more than 8,000 medical institutions in China. Dian is headquartered in Hangzhou, China.

About Metabolon Metabolon, Inc. is the world’s leading health technology company focused on the use of metabolomics in precision medicine and life sciences research. This powerful tool for assessing health is based on proprietary platforms and informatics that deliver biomarker discoveries, innovative diagnostic tests, and ground-breaking partnerships in genomics-based health initiatives. Metabolon’s expertise is also accelerating research and product development across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consumer products, agriculture and nutrition industries, as well as academic and government organizations. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. 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.

Contact: Robin Fastenau Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Metabolon, Inc. 919.595.2201