New Genetic Test Helps Doctors Predict Frequency Of Genital Herpes Outbreaks
HerpesDX Launched At American Academy Of Dermatology Show
IRVINE, CA, AND MIAMI, FL, MARCH 8, 2010 - Molecular dermatology research and development innovator DermaGenoma, Inc. today released The HerpesDX Genetic Test for Frequent Genital Herpes. The new screening test will help doctors assess patients' risk for developing frequent Genital Herpes (HSV-2) outbreaks.
"Until now, physicians have been unable to give patients an answer to the most common question asked by recently infected Genital Herpes patients: Will I have frequent outbreaks?," says DermaGenoma CEO Andy Goren. "Using the HerpesDX genetic test, a doctor can finally assess a patient's risk for frequent outbreaks."
The HerpesDX test reports on the presence or absence of specific mutations in the mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene, which has an important role in the immune response to infection. A Genital Herpes patient who tests positive has up to approximately an 80%* chance of developing frequent outbreaks, while a patient who tests negative has up to approximately an 80%* chance of not developing frequent outbreaks.
Genital Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease resulting from infection with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). While there are two subtypes of HSV, HSV-2 is the most common type found in Genital Herpes. Once a patient has contracted HSV-2, they will remain infected for the rest of their life and genital herpes outbreaks can occur spontaneously.
Prolonged use of antiviral medications may reduce the frequency of outbreaks; however, the potential side effects, difficulty to adhere to prolonged treatment, and the cost of some of the medications may not justify preventive treatment if the patient is not likely to suffer from frequent outbreaks. Therefore, it is important to identify patients with a high risk for developing frequent outbreaks.
The HerpesDX Genetic Test for Frequent Genital Herpes, available only through physicians costs $249 (US).
* The HerpesDX Genetic Test for Frequent Genital Herpes uses genetic variations in combination with information provided by a physician's diagnostic to report a patient's risk for frequent outbreaks. Depending on the primary outbreak duration the predictive risk can vary from approximately 60% to 80%
About DermaGenoma, Inc.
DermaGenoma, Inc. is a molecular dermatology company founded by leading researchers and specialists in genetics and dermatology. The company is dedicated to the research and development of new diagnostics and prescription based therapies for skin conditions tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.
DermaGenoma offers the first commercial genetic test for Frequent Genital Herpes. In 2008, the company introduced HairDX, the first genetic screening test for Female and Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia). The genetic tests are available through physician's offices nationwide, and are administered using a simple cheek swab.