Improved Genetic Test Product Empowers Individuals Better Understand Their Unique Nutritional Needs
03/17/2009
Interleukin Genetics’ Enhanced General Nutrition Test Report Outlines
an Individual’s Susceptibility to Poor Vitamin B Metabolism and Oxidative Stress
Waltham, MA – March 17, 2009 – Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US: ILI) announced today that it has created a new, detailed report format and information package for its General Nutrition genetic risk assessment test that enables easy understanding of an individual’s genetic pattern as it relates to vitamin B metabolism and response to oxidative stress and free radicals. The test can identify one or more gene variations that may negatively affect an individual’s ability to process necessary nutrients, while highlighting nutritional modifications that may be helpful in improving an individual’s overall health and wellness.
The Interleukin Genetics General Nutrition test configuration is based on scientific analysis that identifies DNA variations in two genes important to B-vitamin utilization and four genes important in managing oxidative stress. Individuals that show suboptimal variations of the genes tested for B-vitamin metabolism may experience greater health benefits by adding more vitamin B to their diet. In addition, results indicating suboptimal ability to manage oxidative stress suggest that an individual may be at increased risk for cell damage. Both B-vitamins and oxidative stress play important roles in overall health and wellness and have been linked to risk for certain diseases and cancers.
“Evidence-based genetic test developers have a responsibility to individuals to help them make sense of their genetic findings as they relate to specific health and wellness concerns,” said Lewis H. Bender, CEO, Interleukin Genetics. “We are pleased to have developed a user-friendly test and report package for general nutrition to help our customers navigate their risk factors and make nutritional and lifestyle decisions that may help enhance their overall health.”
Customers placing first-time orders for the test will receive the new report format and information package, while previous customers can also request the new enhanced version. The test report and information package will initially be made available to individuals in the U.S. and Canada under the Gensona® brand and marketed by Alticor, Inc.
Each individual that takes the test will receive a tailored report containing a clear interpretation of findings related to their gene type for both B-Vitamin metabolism and suboptimal management of oxidative stress. The report will also include an overview of the individual’s genotype, revealing the specific DNA variations studied and whether the result is normal or suboptimal for his or her specific genotype. Clinical data suggests that people with suboptimal genetic variations may benefit from increased antioxidant intake.
About Interleukin Genetics
Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US: ILI), is a healthcare company that specializes in the development of genetic biomarker tests for the emerging personalized health market. The Company is focused on the future of health and medicine. Interleukin Genetics uses its leading genetics research and scientific capabilities to develop and commercialize innovative diagnostic and risk assessment genetic tests. These products could help to improve an individual’s understanding of needed lifestyle changes or of therapeutic products that can be used to better manage his or her health. Interleukin Genetics has developed and commercialized genetic tests for risk assessment of coronary artery disease, periodontal disease, and general nutrition. Through its Alan James Group [or AJG Brands] subsidiary, the Company also currently offers an array of Nutraceutical and OTCeuticals® products, including Ginkoba™, Ginsana® and Venastat® which are sold at the nation's largest food, drug and mass retailers. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA. For more information about Interleukin Genetics and its ongoing programs, please visit www.ilgenetics.com.
Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking” statements including statements regarding the Company’s ability to develop genetic tests that identify genetic variations that affect vitamin B metabolism, response to oxidative stress and free radicals and other conditions and how such genetic variations affect such conditions, to identify nutritional and lifestyle decisions that favorably affect such conditions, to provide such information in a format tailored to the individual, and to otherwise make progress in advancing the Company’s core technologies. 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, the risk of market acceptance of the Company’s products, the risk of technology and product obsolescence, delays in product development, the performance of commercial partners, the availability of adequate capital, the actions of competitors and other competitive risks, and those risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking statements.
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Contacts:
Media:
Erin Walsh
Interleukin Genetics
781-419-4707
ewalsh@ilgenetics.com
Investor Relations:
Melanie Friedman
Stern Investor Relations
212-362-1200
melanie@sternir.com
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