INTERLEUKIN GENETICS, INC
WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB:ILIU) a life science company focused on the genetics of chronic inflammation, today announced the publication of the article “Influence of Obesity on Periodontitis Progression is Conditional on IL-1 Inflammatory Genetic Variation” in the Journal of Periodontology (http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2016.160408). The article is the result of a scientific collaboration with key researchers at Boston University and strongly supports the value of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) genetics in amplifying the negative impact of obesity.
“Interleukin Genetics continues to build scientific support for the clinical value of IL-1 genetic information,” said Ken Kornman, Chief Scientific Officer. “This study shows the important role of IL-1 genetic variations in periodontitis progression in obesity, a growing epidemic worldwide.”
The study, which evaluated the influence of IL-1 genetic patterns on periodontal progression, was conducted on 292 participants from the Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study. The analysis found significant interactions between IL-1 genetic variations and obesity-related traits in predicting periodontal disease progression. Participants who were both obese and IL-1 test positive were 70% more likely to experience periodontal disease progression than those without these risk factors.
“This study provides further evidence that obese and over-weight patients who are IL-1 positive will benefit from more intensive dental management,” said Mark B. Carbeau, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. “Based on these findings, we are including expanded education and engagement tools for this high risk population into our product, thus further enhancing value to patients and employers who offer this expanded benefit.”
About PerioPredict
PerioPredict is an innovative, easy-to-use genetic test that identifies individuals with an increased risk for severe and progressive periodontitis, due to a life-long genetic predisposition to over-produce Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key mediator of inflammation. Such individuals may benefit from enhanced dental care to prevent or treat periodontitis and thereby lower their systemic inflammatory burden. Targeted management of systemic inflammation has been shown to help manage several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The PerioPredict test is made available to employees in covered health plans under the supervision of a licensed dentist or physician, and the results provide important information to dental professionals for assessing prevention and treatment options for their patients. The PerioPredict test is run solely in Interleukin’s CLIA-certified lab in Waltham, MA. For more information, please visit www.PerioPredict.com.
About Interleukin Genetics
Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB:ILIU) develops and markets proprietary genetic tests for chronic inflammatory diseases and health-related conditions, with significant expertise in metabolism and inflammation. Our tests provide information that is not otherwise available to empower individuals and their healthcare providers to manage their health and wellness through genetics-based insights and actionable guidance. Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property, and genetic panel development expertise in inflammation and metabolism to identify individuals whose risk for certain chronic disease may be increased due to variants in one or more genes, which can enable a more targeted approach to the individual’s healthcare. The company markets its tests through healthcare professionals, partnerships with health and wellness companies, and other distribution channels. Interleukin Genetics’ lead products include its proprietary PerioPredict® genetic test that identifies individuals at risk for severe periodontal disease and a life-long predisposition to overproduce inflammation, and its Inherent Health® line of genetic tests. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA and operates an on-site, state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). For more information, please visit www.ilgenetics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking” statements, including, but not limited to, statements that obese and over-weight patients who are IL-1 positive will benefit from more intensive dental management. 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 Interleukin’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interleukin disclaims any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking statements.
Investor Contact: Steve DiPalma Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (508) 654-4572 sdipalma@ilgenetics.com Media Contact: Jennifer Moritz Zer0 to 5ive for Interleukin Genetics (917) 748-4006 jmoritz@0to5.com
