Interleukin Genetics Inc. (ILGN) Announces Positive Results from Clinical Study Evaluating Genetic Test's Impact on Weight Loss
WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Interleukin Genetics, Inc. announced today top-line positive results from a retrospective clinical study on weight management using patients who participated in a diet study previously reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The new clinical study demonstrated that individuals following diets matched to their genotype, as determined by the Interleukin Genetics Weight Management Genetic Test, showed statistically significant greater weight loss and other benefits at all time points (2 months, 6 months and 12 months) when compared to individuals on diets not matched to their genotype.
Study Design
Overweight/obese premenopausal women participated in a one-year weight loss study comparing four weight loss diets: very low carbohydrate, low carbohydrate/high protein, low fat and very low fat. Beginning in 2008, participants who completed the trial were invited by e-mail and postal mail to provide DNA samples by a simple cheek swab. Of those participants, 145 responded. Genotyping was accomplished in 101 Caucasian participants who were categorized using the Interleukin Genetics Weight Management Genetic Test into three pre-determined composite genotype patterns of individuals who are more likely to respond to calorie reduction diets that are: a) low fat, b) low carbohydrate, or c) balanced in macronutrients. The primary endpoint analysis compared weight loss for women who were on a diet that was consistent with their genotype category to those individuals on diets not suitable for their genetic pattern.
Key Data
Highlights from the studies include:
-- Average weight loss of 6.2% (13.2 lbs) was achieved by individuals who were assigned to the genotype appropriate diets for 12 months versus 2.4% (4.6 lbs) for individuals assigned to inappropriate diets (p=0.013);
-- Average percent change in waist circumference of 6.5% (2.6 inches) was achieved by individuals who were assigned to the genotype appropriate diets for 12 months versus 3.2% (1.2 inches) for individuals assigned to inappropriate diets (p=0.01).
"The outstanding results from this study confirm the positive benefit of applying the proper use of genetics in the field of weight management," stated Lewis H. Bender, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. "Our data indicates that choosing a diet based on genetics provides results comparable to the key industry benchmarks for treatment options in the field of obesity. We intend to submit full data for publication as soon as possible, as well as initiate partnering discussions for distribution of our product with appropriate companies focused on weight management."
About the Weight Management Genetic Test
The Interleukin Genetics Weight Management Genetic Test is marketed under the brand name Inherent Health (www.inherenthealth.com) and is a proprietary genetic test panel that analyzes single nucleotide variations among several functional genes to create macronutrient percentage diet and exercise recommendations for the individual. The test involves a simple swab of the cheek that is then sent to Interleukin Genetics' CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis. A detailed report explaining the test results and diet recommendations is provided to individuals within two weeks after sample submission.
About Interleukin Genetics
Interleukin Genetics, Inc. develops and markets genetic tests that empower consumers to prevent chronic diseases of aging and that assist pharmaceutical companies in the development and marketing of targeted therapeutics. The Company leverages its research, intellectual property and biomarker development experience to facilitate the emerging personalized health market. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA. For more information please visit www.ilgenetics.com.
Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking" statements including statements regarding potential partnerships with weight management companies. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2008, 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.