Metagenics, Inc. Awarded Patents for All-Natural Agents Derived from Hops

23/10/07 Metagenics, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of science-based medical foods and nutraceuticals sold through healthcare practitioners, announced today 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."