Metagenics Awarded Hop Patents

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.Metagenics Inc. received two new patents for its research on the anti-inflammatory properties of reduced iso-alpha acids (RIAA) derived from hops. U.S. Patent No. 7,794,757, Modulation of Inflammation by Hops Fractions and Derivatives," was awarded for a proprietary method to reduce inflammation associated with pain using a formulation of hops derivatives that selectively inhibits the pro-inflammatory activities of the COX-2 enzyme without affecting the housekeeping activities of COX-2 (protection of the gastrointestinal lining), thus providing effective anti-inflammatory support with high degrees of predicted safety.

U.S. Patent No. 7,807,203, Anti-inflammatory Pharmaceutical Compositions for Reducing Inflammation and the Treatment or Prevention of Gastric Toxicity" was awarded for the application of a proprietary formulation of hops in preventing or treating disorders of the stomach and/or intestines that can lead to ulcers.

The discoveries were made by researchers at Metagenics wholly-owned biotechnology subsidiary, MetaProteomics® LLC.

Inflammation is recognized as underlying factor in a wide range of chronic health conditions, including osteoarthritis, ulcers, autoimmune disease, low bone mineral densit, and metabolic syndrome. Rho iso-alpha acids derived from hops, say the researchers, modulate enzymes called kinases. Kinases perform a variety of tasks, including chemically modifying other proteins, regulating cellular pathways (particularly those involved in the transmission of signals within the cell), and regulating substances that can negatively impact health, including eicosanoids, cytokines and free radicals.

We believe that our research opens the door to a new class of therapeutic agents that address inflammatory-related conditions at the cellular level" said Jeffrey S. Bland, Ph.D., FACN, Metagenics chief science officer and president of MetaProteomics.

Metagenics Inc., headquartered in San Clemente, CA,  is a global life sciences company focused on reversing chronic illness and improving health. Through science-based nutrition and practice management programs such as FirstLine Therapy®, Metagenics goal is to help healthcare providers throughout the world to adopt lifestyle therapy and help their patients return to good health. Metagenics was founded in 1983 and today has more than 230 domestic and international formula patents awarded or pending. In August, 2009, the company entered into a joint venture with Alticor, a $8 billion corporation and global leader in nutrition, offering products, business opportunities, product development, manufacturing, and logistic services in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide.