About Interleukin Genetics
Long before anyone was using the words “personalized healthcare” and “personalized medicine”, Interleukin Genetics was focused on harnessing knowledge about the genetics of a key bodily defense system – inflammation – and developing ways to modulate that system that would promote wellness.
Interleukin Genetics is the only company that has developed a DNA based risk assessment test that can tell people whether or not they have a genetic risk factor that affects their own inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation is now thought to be an important risk factor for heart disease, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) genetic variations have been shown to be an indicator of early cardiac events. Interleukin Genetics is also the only biotechnology company that has a strategic alliance with a large consumer products company that markets a nutritional product designed for people who test positive for specific IL-1 genetic variations.
Our President and Chief Scientific Officer, Ken Kornman, DDS, PHD founded the company more than 15 years ago around the idea that inflammation plays an important role in the natural history of many diseases. Under Ken’s leadership, the company quickly developed a number of important academic collaborations that allowed it to effectively leverage its research effort. Currently, our research partners and scientific advisors include professors at Tufts University School of Medicine, Harvard University Medical School, the University of Sheffield and several others. Interleukin has been awarded 20 US patents for work linking variations in inflammation genes with risk for disease.
Since early 2003, the majority of the company’s development efforts have been pursuant to a broad strategic alliance with Alticor Inc., a major consumer products company with a deep interest in nutrition. Currently, we are undertaking several research and development efforts that are funded by Alticor (which is also the single largest stockholder). Most of this work involves the development of risk assessment tests that identify novel genetic risk factors.
In 2006 Interleukin is moving forward to realize its goal of harnessing genetic information to improve human health and combat disease. The company is developing three lines of business: 1) risk assessment testing, 2) non-pharmaceutical products to maintain and enhance health, and 3) pharmaceuticals to treat disease.
In early 2006 Interleukin began selling two DNA based risk assessment tests through Quixtar, the direct sales division of Alticor. One test is designed to identify gene variants in two interleukin genes that have been associated with an increased risk of early heart attack. The other is designed to identify variants in six genes that have been associated with relative inefficiencies in either B vitamin metabolism (two genes) or the management of oxidative stress (four genes). The tests are being processed at the Interleukin Testing Laboratory, which was CLIA certified and began commercial operations in 2006. The laboratory, which provides consumers with access to genetic counseling and technical advice about the test results, has made a deep commitment to protecting the privacy of individuals and employs secure data management systems that handle all personal information confidentially. Interleukin is now working to develop other DNA based risk assessment tests for other common disorders (such as osteoporosis). When appropriate, the company will expand its genetic testing through other consumer and professional channels.
In August 2006, Interleukin acquired Alan James Group, a privately held, Florida-based company engaged in the sale of branded nutritional products and novel over-the-counter preventive therapies through large retail outlets. Interleukin is also exploring pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical agents to reduce the risk of or slow the trajectory of genetically influenced inflammatory diseases. The company intends to identify novel therapeutic agents for clinical development in inflammatory disease applications.