Triangle neighbors Muses Labs and Metabolon are teaming up to see if they can unlock some of the secrets surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.
Their focus will be individuals with pre- and early-symptomatic cognitive decline and Alzhermer’s.
There is no cure for the deadly threat.
Muses, which is based in Raleigh, and Metabolon, headquartered in RTP, bring different areas of expertise to the project.
A startup focused on Alzheimer’s, Muses wants to add Metabolon’s knowledge of metabolomics to its own MEND Protocol, which incorporates a patient’s genome information as well as blood tests, medical history and lifestyle for treatment development.
“While research into metabolomics and Alzheimer’s disease is in its early stages, we believe that by using this technology, the connections between metabolism and the underlying pathologies of Alzheimer’s disease will become better understood,” said Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, the chief medical-scientific advisor to Muses Labs. He’s also Research Professor of Neurology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
“Metabolomics can guide the clinical care of Alzheimer’s disease today while laying the foundation for new interventions and protocols,” he added.
The companies want to explore “the potential for metabolomics to expand the effectiveness of combination therapy protocol for Alzheimer’s.”
“Our goal is to use our proprietary technology in conjunction with Muses Labs’ personalized Protocols to provide clinicians with a more accurate health assessment of patients experiencing cognitive decline as well as more actionable information,” explained Metabolon CEO John Ryals. “Metabolomics may help answer questions that surround complex, neurodegenerative diseases and refine personalized treatment.”
Metabolon is a global leader in the use of metabolomics, which the company defines as the study of “small molecules called metabolites” that gives “clinicians a better understanding of health and the influences of genes, microbiome, diet, lifestyle and drug treatment.” The company recently signed a deal to commercialize an insulin resistance test in 30 countries.
The two companies hope to offer new clinical trial services and new care protocols later this year.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Muses Labs’ protocols utilize a patient’s genome, blood tests, medical history and lifestyle to direct care. Metabolomics adds additional significant insight into a patient’s biological status to improve identification of active pathologies and enable further refinement of patient care programs,” said Vik Chandra, CEO of Muses Labs, in announcing the partnership.
“Metabolomics has the potential to significantly expand the effectiveness of combination therapy protocols for Alzheimer’s and other complex diseases. Our collaboration with Metabolon has the power to advance precision medicine in this area.”
What is the MEND Protocol?
Source: Muses Labs
“Muses Labs’ MEND™ Protocol is a data driven, technology enabled, personalized methodology to correctly identify and simultaneously treat the dozens of pathology drivers of age-related cognitive decline. It is designed to help patients who are beginning to have symptoms of age-related cognitive decline, those with a family history of dementia and patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. The Protocol recommends optimal medical interventions personalized for each patient and has the potential to improve memory and cognitive function.”
