January 2025 Newsletter

As we step into 2025, we are filled with excitement for the opportunities and possibilities ahead. This promises to be a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful impact, both for Owlstone Medical and our consumer-facing brand, OMED Health . We are looking forward to sharing the incredible work and advancements we have planned for the coming months, do not forget to subscribe to this newsletter each month via the link at the bottom of this page. ?

Spotlight on Collaborative Innovation: Breath Biomarkers for Propionic Acidemia

We are excited to highlight our collaborative research with Dr. Oleg Shchelochkov, MD of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) , which was recently published in Molecular Genetics and Metabolism. This proof-of-concept study investigates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath and their association with propionic acidemia (PA), a rare inherited metabolic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to break down certain proteins and fats. By analyzing participants' breath samples, the study identified 3-pentanone as a VOC strongly correlated with clinical and biochemical markers of PA. These findings open new avenues for research into innovative diagnostic tools and severity assessment strategies for inborn errors of metabolism affecting amino acid oxidation. To delve deeper, explore the pre-print of the paper.

In the Media: Breath Analysis and Its Expanding Role in Healthcare??

As the field of breath research continues to grow, exciting developments are also unfolding in the broader application of VOCs for disease diagnostics. In particular, Dr. Hsuan (Tina) Chou, PhD , recent article in Drug Discovery & Development , "Tiny Breaths, Big Impacts: Bridging the Gap Between Laboratory Discoveries and Clinical Applications in Breath Research with Mouse Models", explores the potential of developing breath biomarkers for a wide range of diseases. Dr. Chou discusses how mouse models are accelerating the discovery of breath-based biomarkers, from gastrointestinal conditions to cancer, and highlights their role in bridging the gap between laboratory research and human clinical applications. This approach is a promising step towards non-invasive, decentralized diagnostic tools and more personalized, precise treatments.?

In a recent Q&A featured in the European Biopharmaceutical Review (EBR) Special Review, Billy Boyle , CEO and Co-founder of Owlstone Medical, and Dr. Max Allsworth , Chief Scientific Officer, discuss the potential of breath analysis in cancer detection. They explain how VOCs in exhaled breath can serve as non-invasive biomarkers, offering a promising alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.?

While breath detection is not yet a clinical tool for cancer, the technology is being used in research and trials, with the potential for early diagnosis and personalized treatment. The interview also highlights advancements in oncology and the broader applications of breath analysis in monitoring various diseases, offering a glimpse into its transformative future in healthcare.?

Celebrating our Success: OMED Health Wins Gold!?

We are delighted to share that OMED Health, our dedicated digestive health brand, received the Gold Award for Website of the Year at the National SME Business Awards in December! The award ceremony, held at the iconic Wembley Stadium, was a fantastic evening, and this recognition reflects the passion, creativity, and expertise of our team and Douglass Digital who designed and built the website. To learn more about this achievement you can check out the feature in the Cambridge Independent.

If you have not had the chance yet, visit our award-winning website to explore helpful resources supporting your gut health journey. You will find our IBS and SIBO eBooks, insightful blogs, and more. Plus, learn about the OMED Health Breath Analyzer and how it is helping individuals better understand their digestive health.?

Stay up to date with OMED Health by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and our newly launched LinkedIn profile.?

Upcoming Webinar: A Novel Approach to Monitoring Dietary Intervention Outcomes?

We are thrilled to invite you to our next webinar on Tuesday 14 January featuring Dr. Rui Lopes , Medical Advisor at Owlstone Medical. This engaging online event will highlight the innovative potential of breath analysis in developing and optimizing dietary protocols, as well as evaluating the efficacy of targeted interventions. With its non-invasive nature, breath analysis is paving the way for precision medicine and enhanced symptom monitoring in microbiome-related diseases.?

In his talk, ‘Breath Analysis – A Novel Approach to Monitoring Dietary Intervention Outcomes’, Dr. Lopes will explore the science behind using breath as a biological medium to measure hydrogen and methane levels in real-time. These biomarkers provide invaluable insights into gastrointestinal function, metabolic health, and the gut microbiome’s response to dietary interventions. Attendees will discover how real-time breath analysis, paired with symptom tracking and lifestyle monitoring, is revolutionizing personalized therapeutic approaches and advancing clinical precision.?

Join us on the 14th of January at 6:30 – 7:30 pm GMT (7:30 – 8:30 pm CET, 1:30 – 2:30 pm ET, 10:30 – 11:30 am PST) to learn more. Registration is free—don’t miss this opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements in breath-based diagnostics. Sign up.

We hope you enjoyed the highlights this month. Keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter and subscribe via the button below so you do not miss out on our latest news or follow our page. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch, either here on LinkedIn or via our website.?