Metagenics awarded 2 new patents for hops-derived anti-inflammatory compositions

October 29, 2010 — Metagenics Inc. has been awarded two new patents for discoveries relating to its research on the anti-inflammatory properties of reduced iso-alpha acids (RIAA) derived from hops.

Metagenics is a life sciences company focused on reversing chronic illness and improving health through therapeutic nutrition and lifestyle changes. The discoveries were made by researchers at Metagenics’ wholly-owned biotechnology subsidiary, MetaProteomics LLC.

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.

Inflammation is recognized as underlying factor in a wide range of chronic health conditions, including osteoarthritis, ulcers, autoimmune disease, low bone mineral density, 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, PhD, FACN, Metagenics chief science officer and president of MetaProteomics.

Source: Metagenics Inc., www.metagenics.com