- Collaboration with Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar Broadens Metabolon’s Global Footprint Beyond the U.S., Europe and China
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., May 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in metabolomics, announced today that it has entered a joint laboratory collaboration agreement with the Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar (ADLQ), which operates an internationally accredited anti-doping laboratory, as well as toxicology and life sciences research services. ADLQ will establish Metabolon’s proprietary metabolomics platform in their Doha laboratory and serve academic and non-profit organizations throughout 13 countries in the Middle East.
The agreement enables ADLQ to promote Metabolon’s technology and precision medicine products for research use, as well as support population health studies throughout the region.
“The collaboration with ADLQ allows us to serve a new, significant market,” said Metabolon CEO John Ryals, PhD. “We will work with ADLQ to co-develop advanced anti-doping test methods and provide key researchers in the Middle East a more convenient site with access to Metabolon’s expertise. Metabolon now has established joint laboratory collaborations with premier institutions in Europe, China and the Middle East, and this pivotal relationship with ADLQ is another example of our commitment to expand Precision Metabolomics™ applications for research and the clinic.”
“As the premier testing laboratory in the region, ADLQ has partnered with Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) to establish the Metabolon platform in Doha to serve other researchers in the country and the region,” said ADLQ General Manager, Dr. Mohammed Alsayrafi. “This partnership is further strengthened by the involvement of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Interim Translational Research Institute (iTRI) at Hamad Medical Corporation. Contributions in the form of instrumentation for laboratory infrastructure from our partners have expedited the introduction of Metabolon’s cutting-edge metabolomics capabilities. ADLQ will host the laboratory facilities for conducting high-throughput metabolomics analysis for samples submitted by researchers. Currently, there are a number of researchers from local institutions that are utilizing Metabolon’s services, and the number is continually increasing. With such growing interest, but restricted sample transfer outside the country, it is deemed timely that such a platform be available locally. ADLQ has expertise and experience in mass spectrometry technology, as many of the services currently offered by ADLQ employ similar approaches.”
Development of the platform has already begun, and it is estimated to receive biological samples by the fourth quarter of 2017.
About Metabolomics
Metabolomics is the study of small molecules called metabolites and is a powerful phenotyping technology for life sciences research, population health 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.
Metabolon’s Precision Metabolomics technology screens the largest, most diverse metabolite library in the industry and uses its proprietary software to deliver the most accurate and comprehensive metabolomics data available. This data is a cornerstone in precision medicine and is currently being used by clinicians and life sciences researchers to gain immediately actionable information and understand genomic and other ‘omics data.
About ADLQ
The first specialized laboratory of its kind and scale in the Middle East, the Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) opened in December 2012 with the primary objective of providing anti-doping testing for athletes in the Gulf region and West Asia. The state-of-the-art facility is housed in an iconic three-story building in Aspire Zone, close to Qatar’s major sporting facilities.
The Anti-Doping Lab is one of 28 current WADA-accredited laboratories, and apart from the Doping Analysis Lab, ADLQ also has in its infrastructure the Toxicology and Multipurpose labs, as well as the Life Sciences Research labs. Employing the latest technology, advanced instrumentation and a highly qualified team, these laboratories serve the varied research and testing needs of Qatar and the region. ADLQ also holds ISO/IEC17025 accreditation under the National Australian Testing Authorities (NATA) in Australia. The ADLQ mission is to be a sustainable organization at the forefront of the fight against doping in sport, fostering excellence in ground-breaking research and education and enhancing the skills of Qatari nationals.
About Metabolon
Metabolon, Inc. is the world’s leading health technology company advancing metabolomics for precision medicine and all areas of life sciences research. Its Precision Metabolomics™ is a powerful, patented technology for assessing health and delivering biomarker discoveries, innovative diagnostic tests, and valuable data in genomics and population 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 based 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.
Metabolon Contact Robin Fastenau Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Metabolon, Inc. 919.595.2201 ADLQ Contact Ms. Mishael Al-Ansari Marketing and Communication Director Antidoping Lab Qatar 974 44132993
