DURHAM–Metabolon, a global leader in the study of biological data based on metabolomics, has secured $7.3 million of an equity round targeted at $8.3 million, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company has raised nearly $98,000,000 since 2009, including $45 million in two 2016 rounds. Essex Woodlands, a $2.5 billion equity investment firm, invested $15 million in Metabolon in 2015 and again in 2016.

Metabolon, which launched in 2000, defines metabolomics as the study of small molecules called metabolites and is a powerful phenotyping technology for precision medicine. It measures changes in metabolite levels and maps them to the appropriate biochemical pathways to give clinicians a better understanding of health and the influences of genes, microbiome, diet, lifestyle and drug treatment.

Metabolomics is seen as a tool to be used in delivery of precision medicine.

Former CEO and co-founder of Metabolon, John Ryals, retired in June. Rohan Hastie, formerly Metabolon’s chief business officer, replaced him, although Ryals remains on the company board.

“We started Metabolon in earnest in 2002, and over the past 16 years Metabolon has grown into the world’s most advanced metabolomics technology company,” said Ryals in a previous WRAL TechWire story. “What began as ideas on a white board has grown into a valuable clinical technology that will be essential for precision medicine.”

Previously on WRAL TechWire:

Metabolon acquires German firm also focusing on metabolomics

 

RTP-based Metabolon to work with VA on massive genomics, precision medicine project

 

Metabolon CEO retires; company promotes chief business officer to top job