Aconabolics, LLC
Specializing in the synthesis of organic acids, ketoacids, and amino acids for pharmaceutical/materials research and metabolic analysis.
The Research
Early detection of cancer and bacterial infections saves lives; an emerging technology that enables rapid diagnoses of these conditions is called metabolic flux analysis. We have developed synthetic techniques that enable this technology by producing the necessary chemical reagents. These required molecules (13C-labelled metabolites) are highly specialized and challenging to produce, with some currently costing hundreds of dollars for an amount less than a grain of sand. Based on a decade of research experience and nearly a million dollars in research funding from agencies including NSF and NASA, we have developed the technology to directly replicate a fundamental biological pathway to these intermediates that avoids costly enzymes or fermentation. These techniques decrease the synthetic costs of the labelled metabolites by over an order of magnitude.
PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY
13C–labeled organic compounds with biological relevance are expensive and have limited availability. Their value derives from their utility in metabolomics research in both academia and industry, and their use as diagnostic agents required for 13C-MFA (metabolic flux analysis). We have developed a synthetic methodology to replicate specific biological pathways that can be completed in a chemistry flask in hours. Our process is far more flexible than current technologies, allowing us to create thousands of analogs that are unavailable by any method.
SOLUTION/PRODUCT
We have developed a synthetic methodology to replicate a biological pathway called the citric acid (TCA) cycle that can be completed in a chemistry flask in hours. Our process is far more flexible than biological pathways, and allows us to create thousands of analogs that are currently unavailable by any method. Two provisional patents have been filed (Jan. 2019) on the technology, and a partnership LLC has been formed (July 2018).
MARKET
Due to the increasing view that many cancers can be classified as metabolic disorders, as well as the greatly enhanced recognition of the importance of the GI microbiome to health, the need for compounds that allow metabolic analysis is increasing. Coupled with advances in the resolution power of mass spectral analysis and magnetic resonance imaging, we foresee this being an opportune time to provide 13C-metabolites at lower cost with a vastly expanded library of products. The current market for stable isotopes is valued at 320 million US$ (2018, MarketWatch.com) and is expected to reach 400 million by 2025. We are seeking to partner with academic, industrial, and healthcare institutions on the front line of cancer research to expand the technology to the diagnosis of rare cancers and metabolic disorders.
TRACTION
We have begun discussions with three international chemical distributors/manufacturers, and are pursuing lead compounds they have identified as particularly valuable to their product libraries. We are also seeking to partner with academic and healthcare institutions on the front line of cancer research to expand the technology to the diagnosis of rare cancers and metabolic disorders.
Our Research
Contact us to find out more about aconabolics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aconabolics specializes in the synthesis isotopically labeled organic acids, ketoacids, and amino acids for pharmaceutical/materials research and metabolic analysis. Our proprietary chemical reaction pathway enables the generation of both known and non-fermentable novel metabolites. Major products include isotopic and structural isomers of biochemical intermediates and analogs.
Meet our executive Team
Dr. Greg Springsteen, Ph.D., is a Henry Keith and Ellen Hard Townes Professor of Chemistry at Furman University. His work has been published in top international science journals and brought in over $750,000 in funding from NSF and NASA. He was named one of eight national Dreyfus Scholars in 2018.
Trent Stubbs is a rising senior majoring in biochemistry at Furman University. He is president of Furman’s chapter of the American Chemical Society, the founder of the Berea house service organization, and a Furman University Bell Tower Scholar,
Aconabolics, LLC
3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville SC 29613
United States of America.
gregspringsteen@aconabolics.com
trentstubbs@aconabolics.com