Redpoint is using its proprietary MOG assay technology for its salt enhancer discovery program. The MOG technology was developed specifically to deal with the complex sensory and experimental issues associated with the discovery of all-natural compounds, which are often derived from plant or fermentation sources containing complex mixtures of taste ingredients. Historically, natural tastants or enhancers have been discovered by trial and error using human tasters. The MOG is an enabling technology that facilitates high throughput screens of tastant libraries and natural product extracts by rodents trained to discriminate specific taste standards. MOG-trained rodents are "expert" taste testers capable of rapidly identifying taste from small samples with a high level of accuracy, providing an effective means of evaluating the taste properties of complex natural product extracts.

Redpoint originally developed its MOG technology to discover natural high-potency sweeteners and sweetener enhancers. More recently, Redpoint scientists have developed and optimized a high-throughput salt-taste detection system, in which MOG-trained rodents discriminate salt from other essential tastes (savory, sweet, sour, and bitter). The MOG approach will be used to evaluate the salt-tasting and salt-enhancing potential of natural sources such as fermentation products and edible plant extracts, with a focus on isolating active components from ingredients already used in the food industry.

Regarding its diabetes research program, in July 2010, the Company announced the issuance of a patent covering methods of using a high-throughput screen to discover certain modulators of the TRPm5 ion channel. In November 2010, the Company received notification that its diabetes program had been approved for a grant in the amount of approximately $0.25 million in connection with the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project Program under section 48D of the Internal Revenue Code. The TRPm5 ion channel was originally identified as an important component of taste signaling circuits responsible for sensing sweet, savory, and bitter compounds on the tongue. Recently, an emerging body of scientific evidence has demonstrated that the TRPm5 ion channel is also found in the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract, suggesting a potential role in the regulation of metabolism and satiety.

Specifically, TRPm5 may be involved in the secretion of important hormones like GLP1 and insulin that control sugar uptake and metabolism. Consequently, modulators of TRPm5 could potentially find application as a new therapy for adult-onset diabetes and obesity. Redpoint is seeking a large pharmaceutical company as a partner for a collaborative research and development program to further develop its TRPm5 modulators for diabetes and obesity therapeutic applications.

SOURCE Redpoint Bio Corporation