Metagenics, Inc. Awarded Three Patents For The Discovery Of Luduxin™ And Tetrase™, All-Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents Derived From Hops

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Also Included In: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Article Date: 24 Oct 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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Metagenics, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of science-based medical foods and nutraceuticals sold through healthcare practitioners, announced that it has been awarded three new patents for discoveries relating to Luduxin™ and Tetrase™, two all-natural selective kinase response modifier (SKRM) formulations with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

U.S. Patent no. 7,270,835 protects the composition of Luduxin, a proprietary formula consisting of rho iso-alpha acids (RIAA) derived from hops, as well as the use of Luduxin in preserving joint health.

U.S. Patent nos. 7,195,785 and 7,205,151 protect the composition of Tetrase, a proprietary formula comprising of tetrahydro-isohumulone, a tetrahydro iso-alpha acid derived from hops, as well the use of Tetrase to support the management of inflammation.

Inflammation has been identified as the underlying factor in a wide range of health conditions, including osteoarthritis, autoimmune disease, low bone mineral density, and metabolic syndrome. The alpha acids and their derivatives from hops have been shown to selectively inhibit the pro-inflammatory activities of the COX-2 enzyme without affecting the housekeeping activities of COX-2 (protection of the gastrointestinal lining). By comprising reduced iso-alpha acid derivatives, Luduxin and Tetrase offer effective anti-inflammatory support with high degrees of predicted safety.

As SKRMs, Luduxin and Tetrase modulate kinases, the enzymes that chemically modify other proteins and regulate cellular pathways, particularly those involved in the transmission of signals within the cell. Kinases also help to regulate substances that can negatively impact health, including eicosanoids, cytokines, and damaging free radicals.

Clinical studies regarding the safety and efficacy of SKRMs, conducted by researchers at Metagenics' Functional Medicine Research Center and its MetaProteomics® Nutrigenomics Research Center, have been published in leading peer-reviewed nutritional journals. The company is also continuing to look for additional applications for this new technology.

"We believe that SKRM technology represents a new class of therapeutic agents," said Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD, FACN, Metagenics Chief Science Officer and President of MetaProteomics®, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metagenics. "Many prevalent health issues have been found to have specific underlying kinase signaling components. Luduxin and Tetrase have shown great promise as SKRMs for joint health and insulin and triglyceride management. We're excited by the prospect of discovering further applications for these powerful compounds."

Metagenics now includes SKRMs in many of its medical food and nutraceuticals formulas. For a complete list, please visit http://www.metagenics.com/products. For more information about the patents or to set-up an interview with Dr. Bland, contact Josie Lorenzo.

About Metagenics, Inc.

Metagenics, Inc. is a life sciences company and leading developer and manufacturer of science-based nutraceuticals and medical foods sold to healthcare practitioners worldwide. It is headquartered in San Clemente, Calif., with manufacturing and research facilities located in Gig Harbor, Wash., including the MetaProteomics® Nutrigenomics Research Center and the Functional Medicine Research CenterSM for human clinical research. The company demonstrates its commitment to purity and quality through its certifications for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) from the NPA, NSF International, and TGA.

http://www.metagenics.com.

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