Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB:ILIU) today announced that an article,
titled “Dentistry Gets Personalized,” has been published online in Genome
magazine. The article, which also appeared in the Fall 2014 print issue,
includes an overview of Interleukin’s novel genetic test, PerioPredict®,
and its utility in identifying a patient’s risk for severe periodontal
disease based on the individual’s genetic profile as well as its role in
advancing personalized medicine in dentistry.
The full article can be accessed online here.
PerioPredict® works by measuring variations in the genes for
Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key mediator of inflammation, and identifies
individuals who are at an increased risk for more severe periodontal
disease, also known as gum disease. PerioPredict® utilizes a
suite of genetic markers that cover all major ethnic groups including
Hispanic, African-American, and Asian, in addition to Caucasian, to
predict risk for severe periodontal disease. PerioPredict® is
quick, easy, and painless. The test is performed by dentists or dental
hygienists in less than a minute during a routine dental exam or
cleaning. The collected sample is then sent to Interleukin’s
CLIA-certified genetics laboratory for processing and analysis, with
test results returned to the dentist in approximately two weeks. If the
test determines that a patient is at increased risk for severe
periodontitis, the dentist can deliver additional preventive care,
including more frequent cleanings, and the patient has valuable
information for their own personal oral health care.
“PerioPredict® is an innovative, easy-to-use tool to help
dentists and hygienists identify individuals with an elevated risk of
more severe periodontal disease, and therefore better align preventive
care to an individual patient’s needs,” said Dr. Kenneth Kornman, Chief
Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. “The nationwide rollout of
PerioPredict® began in January 2014, and we look forward to
increased utilization as more dental insurance plans incorporate
reimbursement for PerioPredict®. We continue to believe that
PerioPredict® represents the beginning of a new era in
dentistry and are confident that over the long term PerioPredict®
will become an important part of mainstream dental care, leading to
improved patient outcomes and, ultimately, a lowering of oral healthcare
expenses.”
Nearly half of the adult population in the U.S. has periodontitis, a
bacterially induced, chronic inflammation of the gums that destroys bone
and connective tissues that support the teeth. A small number of risk
factors including smoking, diabetes, and the IL-1 genetic test, have
been validated as risk for severe periodontitis. Failure to prevent and
properly manage severe periodontitis often leads to tooth loss,
increased whole body inflammation, and has been associated with
increased risk for multiple systemic diseases, including cardiovascular
disease. Prevention and treatment of periodontitis contributes
substantially to the approximately $108 billion spent annually in the
U.S. on dental care. The introduction of personalized medicine into the
dental community has the ability to revolutionize patient care and
reduce the overall cost of dental care through prevention.
About Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by specific
bacteria that activate host mechanisms destroying the bone and
connective tissues that support the teeth. Between 8% and 13% of the
worldwide adult population exhibit severe generalized periodontitis,
with many more having clinical signs of moderate disease. Individuals
who have a history of periodontitis and have been appropriately treated
require more preventive care to maintain health. Current treatments to
prevent gum disease are good oral hygiene at home and regular dental
cleanings. The “Patient Stratification for Preventive Dental Care” study
suggests that individuals who are at higher risk for periodontal disease
may benefit from 3-4 cleanings per year to prevent development of
disease while those at lower risk may need only one cleaning per year.
The Company believes risk stratification of patients without a history
of periodontitis may optimize preventative dental care to improve
outcomes and reduce long-term oral healthcare expenses.
About PerioPredict®
The PerioPredict® genetic test is quick, easy and painless
and is performed by dentists during a routine exam or cleaning.
PerioPredict® measures variations in genes for Interleukin-1
(IL-1), a key mediator of inflammation, and identifies individuals who
are at increased risk for moderate to severe periodontal disease. The
PerioPredict® test results provide essential information to
the dental professional for assessing prevention and treatment options
for their patients. PerioPredict® is run solely in the
Interleukin Genetics CLIA-certified lab in Waltham, MA. For more
information, visit www.PerioPredict.com.
About Interleukin Genetics
Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB:ILIU) develops and markets proprietary
genetic tests for chronic diseases and health-related conditions. The
products empower individuals and their physicians and dentists to
prevent certain chronic conditions and manage their existing health and
wellness through genetic-based insights with actionable guidance.
Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property and
genetic panel development expertise in metabolism and inflammation to
facilitate the emerging personalized healthcare market. The Company
markets its tests through partnerships with health and wellness
companies, healthcare professionals and other distribution channels.
Interleukin Genetics’ flagship products include its proprietary
PerioPredict® genetic risk panel for periodontal disease and
tooth loss susceptibility sold through dentists, and the Inherent Health
Weight Management Genetic Test that identifies the most effective diet
and exercise program for an individual based on genetics. Interleukin
Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA, and operates an on-site,
state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical
Laboratories Improvements Act (CLIA). For more information, please visit www.ilgenetics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking” statements,
including statements related to that more dental insurance plans
will incorporate reimbursement for PerioPredict®
resulting in increased unitization, that PerioPredict®
represents the beginning of a new era in dentistry and will become an
important part of mainstream dental care, leading to improved patient
outcomes and a lowering of oral healthcare expenses, and that the
introduction of personalized medicine into the dental community has the
ability to revolutionize patient care and reduce the overall cost of
dental care through prevention . Because such statements include risks
and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to, those risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and
other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company
disclaims any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking
statements.
Copyright Business Wire 2015