Discover actionable biomarkers across the spectrum with non-invasive methods
The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that more than 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma and approximately 14.8 million adults have been diagnosed while 12 million remain undiagnosed.1,2 Respiratory diseases pose a tremendous burden on society and healthcare systems globally, with the World Health Organization reporting that the top five respiratory diseases account for 17.4% of deaths.
While asthma has a low fatality rate, it affects 150 million people worldwide and is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease. Still there are more respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, plural effusion and infectious diseases like influenza and COVID-19 where metabolomics is useful in helping to decode disease mechanisms and more.
More understanding is needed about the aspects of disease occurrence and severity in respiratory disorders. Global metabolomics can be applied to cultured cells, tissues from model organisms, and patient biopsies to discover metabolic drivers of processes such as cell death and malignant transformation. These insights can be translated into actionable biomarkers through follow-on targeted assays.
Respiratory disorders are varied and involve distinct pathways. A narrow focus isn’t enough to understand the intricacy of these diseases in order to develop effective drug targets. Leveraging global metabolomics as a wide-angle tool will support the development of non-invasive diagnostics and therapeutics that have the capability to improve the lives of patient.
1. Bloom B, Jones LI, Freeman G. Summary health statistics for U.S. children: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(258). 2013.
2. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW, Clarke TC. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(260). 2014.