New way to treat diabetes makes Kalamazoo firm a company to watch

Metabolic Solutions Development Company made this year's 50 Companies to Watch list.

The distinction comes from Michigan Celebrates Small Business program of the Edward Lowe Foundation.

MSDC is developing novel medicines for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases using pharmaceuticals designed to more effectively treat type 2 diabetes without the side effects of current therapies.

The award, which will be handed out April 29 at a ceremony in Lansing, recognizes companies deemed to embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Michigan. Winners are companies that have persevered through the initial startup stage and emerged as leaders. The judges are based in Michigan and come from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development and venture capital communities.

"Our success is a direct result of the extensive experience of our founders, the insight of our investors, the extraordinary talent and hard work of our employees, and the wide-ranging network of outstanding business partners that we have brought together," says Robert Beardsley, CEO of MSDC. "This award is a special honor. Michigan has a great history in developing innovative metabolic disease therapies and we are proud to carry on that tradition here."

PNC Bank is the lead underwriter for Michigan Celebrates Small Business, with additional underwriting support from Clark Hill PLC, Michigan Economic Development Corp., Michigan Certified Development Corporation, Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, Comcast Business Class, Comcast Spotlight and Dynamic Edge.

Michigan Celebrates Small Business is presented in association with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Small Business Association of Michigan, the U.S. Small Business Administration -- Michigan, and the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Information about the 2010 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch program can be found at its Web site.  For more information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business, visit its Web site.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Nick Wasmiller, Seyferth & Assoc.
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