Icoria to conduct early stage research for Isis

Icoria will use its metabolomics platform to characterize differences in biochemical profiles between treated and untreated animal subjects and to identify those biochemicals that are specifically affected by treatment.

Metabolomics, or biochemical profiling, uses mass spectrometry to measure net changes in the level of the body’s endogenous biochemicals, such as amino acids, sugars and fatty acids, and provides a means of evaluating drug action and disease state.

When combined with proprietary software developed by Icoria, this technology enables Icoria to construct biomarkers that can detect toxicity or the therapeutic effects of drugs. Drug development companies such as Isis can use this data to infer pathway-based mechanisms of drug action and patient response, and to assess drug safety.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, however, it is not expected to significantly impact the company’s recently released financial statements.