
Phenomix Sciences Receives Patent for Obesity Phenotyping Test
Phenomix Sciences, a precision medicine biotechnology company specializing in data-driven precision medicine for obesity treatment, has received its first patent related to its obesity phenotyping technology. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued this patent (No. 11,740,247) titled “Methods and Materials for Assessing and Treating Obesity.” The patent covers methods for treating obesity by identifying specific phenotypes through obesity analyte signatures and subsequently administering tailored interventions, such as medications, based on those identified signatures. These analytes encompass various factors, including gene variants (SNPs), metabolites, gastrointestinal peptides, hormones, questionnaires, and phenotypes linked to specific interventions, like pharmacological agents.
The underlying technology for this patent originated from the work of Phenomix’s founders at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Andres Acosta and Dr. Michael Camilleri. While the patent is assigned to Mayo Clinic, it is exclusively licensed to Phenomix for the development, manufacturing, and marketing of obesity phenotyping tests. Earlier this year, the company launched two MyPhenomeTM Tests, known as the Hungry Gut and Hungry Brain tests, based on this technology. The newly granted patent represents just one of four families of filed patent applications, all aimed at advancing personalized obesity medicine. These patents cover foundational obesity phenotyping technology, analytical and computer-implemented methods, phenotype-related lifestyle interventions, and specific predictors of drug response.
In May, 2023 Phenomix Sciences launched the My Phenome Hungry Gut test. The test helps determine a patient’s phenotype, specifically identifying if they have a “Hungry Gut,” which means they experience hunger shortly after eating a meal. By identifying this phenotype, healthcare providers can create more precise treatment plans tailored to the patient’s needs. These plans may include diet interventions specific to the Hungry Gut phenotype, GLP-1 medications, and intragastric balloons.
Dr. Andres Acosta, co-founder of Phenomix Sciences, expressed appreciation for the USPTO’s recognition of their work and the potential impact it can have on improving obesity phenotyping.