Metabolon, Inc. and DNA Genotek Collaborate on First Ambient-Temperature Microbiome Sampling Solution for Metabolomics

OMNImet™·GUT expands access to critical metabolomic analysis with development of in-home fecal collection device

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Jun 17, 2020, 07:00 ET

MORRISVILLE, N.C., June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in metabolomics, and DNA Genotek, a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR), have collaborated to bring OMNImet™·GUT, the first device for in-home collection and ambient-temperature storage and shipping of fecal samples for metabolomics, to the research market.

"For years, our customers from across biopharma, academia and population health have been asking for a validated, ambient-temperature solution to study metabolites in human feces," said Luke Miller, VP Laboratory Operations, Metabolon. "When DNA Genotek approached us to validate their new in-home technology, we knew it would help to unlock a new realm of functional insights for microbiome research as well as other areas of health, wellness and disease research."

In the past, the only option to study metabolites in feces required immediate freezing and cold chain shipping of the sample. Understanding the barriers this created for patient at-home collection, DNA Genotek collaborated with Metabolon for validation of the collection tubes and the stabilization chemistry necessary to protect the intricate nature of metabolites in feces and ensure sample integrity.

Metabolomics is uniquely positioned to provide a readout of the small molecule metabolites, which serve as the "language" for communication between microbiota and the host, and between microbial populations. Metabolon will offer its industry-leading metabolomics analysis and short chain fatty acid analysis on samples collected using OMNImet·GUT.

"We are excited to announce this strategic collaboration with Metabolon, which has validated our OMNImet·GUT collection device," said Scott Rabuka, Senior Director, Molecular Products at DNA Genotek, Inc. "We recognized that in addition to our industry-leading OMNIgene^® collection devices for metagenomics, customers were asking for an ambient-temperature collection and storage solution for microbiome metabolomics samples. Working with Metabolon, the clear metabolomics market leader, the OMNImet·GUT device provides scientists with an important new solution for metabolomics research and builds on our evolution towards a fully integrated multiomics company that creates and captures value from sample collection all the way to discovery."

The proprietary stabilization chemistry in the OMNImet·GUT device provides ambient-temperature stability that does not require immediate freezing and cumbersome and expensive cold-chain logistics. It is designed to maintain the integrity of the sample for metabolomics analysis for multiple days at ambient temperature. The increased flexibility, ease of use and lower shipping costs provided by OMNImet·GUT device can provide significant advantages for clinical trial recruitment and execution.

"Metabolomics goes a step beyond what metagenomics can offer in the study of the microbiome by providing an in vivo understanding of the changing functionality of bacteria in the host," said Greg Michelotti, Scientific Director, Metabolon. "This unique view is vital in supporting both clinical and population health studies because understanding functional changes is essential to understanding the drivers of health and the development of disease."

Through this collaboration, Metabolon provided all metabolomic testing and validation of the device, ensuring rapid time to market and reliable, high-quality study results. This collaboration between Metabolon and DNA Genotek brings together the complementary capabilities of each company to broaden the global adoption of metabolomics in the study of health, wellness and disease.

OMNImet·GUT is intended for research use only.

Photos available upon request.

About DNA Genotek
DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection products and end-to-end services for human genomics and microbiome applications. The Company's Oragene®•Dx and ORAcollect®•Dx product lines are the first and only FDA 510(k) cleared saliva-based DNA collection devices for in vitro diagnostic use. DNA Genotek also offers Research Use Only products to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA or RNA from multiple sample types. Through its sister microbiome services company, Diversigen, the company provides consultative end-to-end solutions for sequencing, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis for the study of the microbiome of living organisms and environments. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has a global customer base with thousands of customers in over 100 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit www.dnagenotek.com

About Metabolomics
Metabolomics is the key to understanding biology, health, wellness and disease. All biological systems, including humans, are continually fueling a collection of chemical reactions. At its core, metabolomics is the large-scale study of small molecules, called metabolites, that comprise the metabolome. The science reveals the definitive representation of the phenotype of any biological system by measuring inputs from internal and external factors such as health, disease, nutrition, microbiome, medication, pollution, etc. As innovation in other life sciences areas has slowed, metabolomics is proving to be the next frontier in supporting companies in their understanding of data revealing state of health and the influences of genes, microbiome, diet, lifestyle and drug treatment on the state of health and progression of disease.

About Metabolon
Metabolon, Inc., is the global leader in revealing new biological insights through metabolomics, harnessing the power of its Precision Metabolomics™ Platform to provide biological insights of disease state and physiological reactions in the present time. The company offers scalable, customizable metabolomics solutions from discovery through clinical trials and product life-cycle management. Leveraging one of the world's most diverse and rich patient data sets, Metabolon is equipped to deliver biologically relevant insights to address some of the most difficult and pressing questions in the life sciences, helping to accelerate research and product development success in the biopharma, population health, consumer products, wellness and academic research sectors. For more information, please visit www.metabolon.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.

SOURCE Metabolon, Inc.