The company OWL Genomics has signed an agreement with the company in vitro by virtue of which the latter will take over distribution of the hepatic diagnostic test in Spain and Germany. This agreement will be the first European commercialisation experience of the pioneer Ferrer inCode diagnostic method entirely based on metabolomics.

Using metabolomics, a state-of-the-art technology that combines high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, OWL Genomics has selected biomarkers for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatosis and steatohepatitis. These diseases are associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and high triglyceride levels, which derive in severe hepatic diseases in 20% of cases. It is estimated that 2 to 5% of the population suffers from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

This test enables detection of the stage of this disease with a simple blood test. It is an effective and non-invasive method to perform periodical check-ups on patients, avoiding costs and complications derived from invasive diagnostic tests, such as hepatic biopsies.

OWL Genomics' main goal is to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in complex and high-prevalence diseases, initially focusing on hepatic diseases. This biotechnological company also deals with the identification of therapeutic targets for different pathologies which have no current good treatment prospects.

On the other hand, Ferrer InCode, subsidiary of Ferrer Group, seeks to promote and improve access to personalised medicine by providing diagnostic, prognostic and predictive orientation services to current medical practices.