Ultra BiOmics

?? Exciting News from Ultra BiOmics! ?? We are thrilled to announce that Ultra BiOmics has been selected as one of 10 companies to join the prestigious Discovery Spark Cohort 3, a leading hub for science, technology, and healthcare innovation! ?? This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds and further our mission to improve the metabolic health of 1 billion adults. ?? Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey! ?? Discovery Park #Innovation #ScienceAndTechnology #Healthcare #MetabolicHealth #DiscoverySpark #UltraBiOmics #HealthcareInnovation #Microbiome #Metabolomics

?? Tirzepatide: A Breakthrough for Obesity—But Who Will Benefit? ?? Yesterday marked a significant step in the fight against obesity with the announcement of the first real-world study on the effectiveness of Tirzepatide, an Eli Lilly drug approved to address public health challenges like obesity. ?? Eli Lilly is investing ￡279 million in this trial, in partnership with Health Innovation Manchester, University of Manchester, and NorthWest EHealth. Up to 3,000 people in the region will participate, with the study focusing not only on the health benefits of Tirzepatide but also its impact on employment and sickness over the next 5 years. ???? ??? Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, highlighted the importance of this drug for reducing the strain on the NHS, where the cost of treating obesity is estimated at ￡11 billion annually, with wider societal costs hitting ￡100 billion. But here’s the catch—while it's great to see a government investing in public health, many headlines are focusing on the economic value of our population rather than the health needs of individuals, potentially contributing to the stigma surrounding obesity. ???? The reality is far from ideal. Access to obesity care is a postcode lottery, with waits of up to 2 years to get into specialist medical weight management services. Recent FOI data from Sky News shows that out of the 13,500 patients estimated to start GLP-1 medication, only 838 have actually received it through the NHS. ???? Even worse, only 14 of 42 ICBs have begun prescribing GLP-1, with additional restrictions further limiting access. Without significant investment, we’re at risk of leaving those most in need behind, widening health inequalities and missing the opportunity to leverage these medications for real public health improvements. ???? ?? Links to articles in the comments. #ObesityCrisis #Tirzepatide #GLP1 #PublicHealth #NHS #HealthEquity #Pharmaceuticals #LifeSciences #ObesityCare #HealthInnovation #HealthcareTransformation

?? Have We Seen the Peak in Obesity Levels? ?? In the past two decades, we’ve seen an exponential rise in obesity globally. However, newly released data from 2020 to 2023 shows a 2% decrease in obesity levels in the US, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. ???? One major factor grabbing attention? The increasing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. ?? Currently, 1 in 8 Americans have used these medications, with 6% actively taking them. But here’s where it gets interesting: Obesity levels are dropping faster among college graduates, raising questions about equity in access to these treatments. ???? While we can’t jump to conclusions about direct causation, some fascinating shifts are happening as GLP-1 usage increases: ?? Nestle is developing new products specifically targeting GLP-1 users. ?? Restaurants are introducing smaller plates to accommodate reduced appetites. ?? Gyms are focusing on strength training to counter muscle mass loss associated with these medications—creating new opportunities, especially among baby boomers! ?????♂? Could this pharmaceutical revolution drive positive changes in the food and fitness industries, where government policies have fallen short? ?????? That said, GLP-1 meds aren’t a silver bullet for obesity or metabolic disease. There are risks, side effects, and the need for sustainable behaviour changes. It's crucial that clinical support is available to optimise outcomes. The real opportunity lies in improving the cardio-renal-metabolic health of millions, but we need a coordinated approach across pharma, government and healthcare to ensure equitable access. ?? Big players like Eli Lilly are already working on trials to help those at risk of metabolic diseases who fall outside current BMI eligibility criteria for these meds. ?? #ObesityCrisis #HealthInnovation #GLP1 #Semaglutide #Tirzepatide #MetabolicHealth #FoodIndustry #FitnessIndustry #PublicHealth #WellnessRevolution #StrengthTraining #HealthEquity

?? Addressing the Global Hypertension Crisis: A Holistic Approach and New Treatment Innovations Hypertension is a growing global health crisis, impacting over a billion adults worldwide. It’s the leading risk factor for early death, causing an estimated 10 million avoidable deaths every year. Yet, despite the ease of measuring blood pressure, 46% of cases go undiagnosed and untreated. With 1 in 3 adults affected, up to 80% have uncontrolled blood pressure, even though various treatments are available. ?? This untreated or poorly managed condition can lead to severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases, such as stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and even dementia. Despite the complex interplay between cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases (CVRM) our focus is often on a siloed approach to hypertension management which misses how these conditions often co-exist. ?? A series of government-led pilot studies offering health checks to 130,000 workers are being rolled out through large employers. Whilst these initiatives can identify those with existing disease and those at risk, there is a clear opportunity to enhance this by offering targeted biomarkers to determine CVRM risk and offering an holistic and personalised approach to health. ???? New medications, like SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, are showing great promise in managing CVRM diseases beyond blood glucose control. SGLT2i, for example, may benefit those with elevated uric acid levels, which is a known contributor to hypertension. As we continue to explore optimal treatments, we must also focus on understanding drug mechanisms of action, outcome trials for combination therapies and take a multidisciplinary approach. ???? #Hypertension #GlobalHealth #BloodPressure #CVRM #HealthcareInnovation #PreventativeHealth #HolisticMedicine #SGLT2i #GLP1RA #HealthScreening #ChronicDisease?

????Incretin therapies for obesity and metabolic dysfunction-Will they change the trajectory? It is estimated that worldwide obesity will continue to reach 1 billion adults by 2030. ????To date we have had limited success with lifestyle interventions which have not delivered long term outcomes.?A recent meta-analysis showed that 56% of body weight loss achieved through lifestyle intervention is regained within 2 years and 79% is regained after 5 years. ????Body weight is regulated by the brain and adipose tissue which finely tunes and adjusts many signals to maintain the body’s energy metabolism.?This gut-brain-fat communication axis is regulated by multiple hormones including GLP-1RA and GIP which are now available in medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound. ?We are now on the cusp of poly-pharmacotherapies to optimise outcomes for not only weight loss but address obesity associated co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic liver disease. This offers an exciting opportunity to provide a personalised approach to ensure that we choose the appropriate medications to gain the maximum health benefit and outcomes. Clinical research is highlighting that metabolic improvements are independent of the magnitude of weight loss, and this offers an opportunity to improve outcomes for a number of health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnoea and liver disease. As we understand and review the outcomes from multiple clinical trials, we can start to see which medications may be more effective for different disease states. ????If we use these multi-receptor agonists intelligently, we have the potential to reduce the disparities in health outcomes we see among those from different ethnic groups or socioeconomic status. We know that the mortality rates for diabetes complications are highest in Black populations with type 2 diabetes. However, we need important discussions among key stakeholders as to how we ensure that the people in need can access these treatments. There are still unanswered questions around incretin-based interventions: 1.?????Similar to lifestyle modifications we often see a rebound of weight and cardiometabolic deterioration on stopping the medication. ? 2.?????Weight loss is not exclusively from fat mass and there is a significant amount of muscle loss that may accompany this.?The impact that this may pose to future health needs further study. 3.?????Current use has been limited due to logistical and socioeconomic issues, with demand vastly exceeding supply. The costs have led to widening health disparities with those in greatest need not able to afford them or access them. 4.?????How incretin therapies impact bone density in those with multimorbidity warrants further investigation. If you want to dig more into the science and read more about potential newcomers to the market, take a look at the research article shared in the comments.

At Ultra BiOmics, we believe that women’s health deserves more than just a one-size-fits-all approach, especially when navigating the menopause transition. It’s easy to blame weight gain or decreased metabolic health on aging, but this oversimplification overlooks the complex changes the female body undergoes during perimenopause. This mindset hinders women from addressing the root causes that impact their health and well-being. ??? As women, we live for decades beyond menopause, making midlife a crucial stage for ensuring long-term health. Yet, there’s a glaring gap in research focused on the increased cardiometabolic risks women face during this time. It’s time to close that gap and prioritise the unique health needs of women. ???? We are dedicated to empowering women by providing personalized data to understand your specific cardiometabolic risks. We help you monitor the effectiveness of treatments tailored to your body’s unique needs. By investing in your health today, we can ensure you remain vibrant and healthy for many years to come. ???? Ready to take control of your health? Dive into our latest article, "Empowering Women: Mastering Cardiometabolic Health Through the Menopause," where we explore how hormonal shifts, weight gain, and metabolic changes during menopause affect your cardiometabolic health—and what you can do about it! ???? #EmpoweringWomen #CardiometabolicHealth #MenopauseWellness #UltraBiOmics #HealthyAging #PersonalizedHealth #MidlifeMatters #WomensHealth #TakeControl

It was great to share the mission of Ultra BiOmics with Andy King and Lily Thomas last week. ??Tune in as Lisa Rickers shares her journey from specialist nurse to start-up and discusses: ?? The challenges and triumphs of transitioning from nursing to entrepreneurship ?? The inspiration behind Ultra BiOmics ?? Valuable insights into metabolic health and obesity We hope you enjoy the episode as much as we did. #nurseinnovation #entrepreneurship #metabolichealth #obesity https://lnkd.in/dhc6Tm9C

Obesity: A Non-Priority for the NHS & Postcode Lottery? ???? A recent report from Future Health, sponsored by Johnson and Johnson, has revealed a startling oversight within the NHS. Despite the escalating obesity crisis, only five out of 42 NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England have prioritised obesity or the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. ???? Let's put this into perspective. The estimated cost of obesity to the UK stands at a staggering ￡98 billion, with direct NHS costs at ￡19 billion. Current stats show two-thirds of the population have excess weight or have obesity. ???? Key Findings ??: ????Only 5 ICBs Prioritise Obesity: North Central London, Bath, North East Somerset and Swindon, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Mid and South Essex, and Bristol, North Somerset and Swindon. ????No References to Obesity: Coventry and Warwickshire ICB; Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB made no mention of obesity in their Forward Plans. ????? ????Ambitions but Few Targets: While 50% of ICBs included an ambition or goal to reduce obesity, only 16% set measurable targets. ?? ????Data Deficiency: Obesity rates data was included in just 40% of NHS ICB plans. ?? ????Focus on Childhood Obesity: A stronger focus on childhood obesity over adult obesity was observed across all ICB plans. ???? This oversight is compounded by the postcode lottery in access to NHS obesity-related services. Currently, only an estimated 35,000 people access tier 3 services, out of the 4 million who are eligible. Moreover, the NHS conducts only 4,000-6,000 bariatric surgeries annually, less than 1% of those eligible. ???? Given that obesity disproportionately affects individuals in deprived areas and certain ethnic minority groups, this is a glaring example of inequality in access to care. ???? In the latest HSJ updates 31 out of 42 ICSs are planning deficits this financial year, so trying to balance the books will undoubtedly mean that obesity care is not prioritised. #obesity #accesstocare #inequality #socialdeprivation #nhs

Expanding the use of GLP-1R agonists beyond weight loss. In the ever-evolving field of metabolic health, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are emerging as a powerhouse beyond their established roles in weight loss and glucose control. ?? Research is shedding light on the profound actions of GLP-1RA medications, revealing benefits that extend into heart and kidney health. ???? Recent studies have demonstrated that long-acting GLP-1 medicines, which maintain continuous presence in the circulation, significantly reduce rates of non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarctions, and cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or obesity. ?? The mechanisms underlying these benefits include reducing systemic inflammation, a key factor in many chronic diseases. ?? Interestingly, preclinical studies indicate that GLP-1 protects the ischemic heart in normotensive animals without diabetes to a greater extent than weight loss alone. Moreover, the cardioprotective effects of semaglutide in people with obesity have been observed within months of drug initiation, well before substantial weight loss occurs. ?? Despite these promising findings, current NICE guidelines suggest considering the discontinuation of GLP-1RA medications if less than 5% of body weight is lost within six months. This narrow focus on weight loss potentially overlooks significant health benefits for individuals at risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. ???? We are missing a critical opportunity if we limit our evaluation of GLP-1RA efficacy to metrics like weight loss or blood glucose control. At Ultra BiOmics, our metabolic blood panel, which assesses a range of metabolic markers, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of how GLP-1RA medications are working and who stands to benefit the most from treatment. ???? It's time to broaden our perspective and recognize the multifaceted benefits of GLP-1RAs in improving metabolic health. By doing so, we can better tailor treatments to individuals' needs and potentially save lives. ???? #metabolichealth #glp1ra #cardiovascularhealth #kidneydisease #inflammation #diabetes #obesity #innovationinhealthcare #personalisedmedicine

The Fatigue of Undiagnosed Metabolic Disease Living with an undiagnosed metabolic disease can be an incredibly exhausting experience. Many individuals face daily battles with symptoms that are misunderstood or misattributed to other causes. And the constant fatigue, both physical and mental, often goes unnoticed by the world around us. Metabolic diseases can cause fatigue through several mechanisms including disrupted energy production, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and inflammation. Precision testing and insights are crucial to address the underlying issues, alleviate fatigue and deliver an improved quality of life. Multi-omics approaches detect biomarkers, aiding personalized treatment. At Ultra BiOmics, we are at the forefront of this paradigm shift from a one-size-fits-all to personalized healthcare as we seek to improve the lives of 1 billion people with metabolic disease. #MetabolicHealth #PersonalizedMedicine #WellnessJourney #Vitality