Interleukin Genetics, University of Michigan to conduct landmark clinical study on periodontal disease

Aug 12 2010

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ILI) announced today that the Company has signed an agreement with the University of Michigan to conduct a landmark clinical study on risk factors predictive of periodontal disease progression to tooth loss using a new version of Interleukin Genetics' PST genetic test.  PST is the Company's genetic test brand that identifies individuals with increased risk for severe and progressive periodontal disease and significant tooth loss based on a proprietary panel of genetic variations that predispose an individual to over-express inflammation. The clinical study using a large dental claims database will be conducted and led by Dr. William Giannobile, Director of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research ("MCOHR") at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and is designed to test whether risk factors, including genetic information, can guide more successful intervention and thus reduce the adverse outcomes of periodontal disease, such as tooth loss.  

An estimated 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, and approximately 20-25 percent have moderate to severe periodontitis which, if not diagnosed early and treated properly, can lead to tooth loss, and major changes in appearance. In addition, clinical studies have associated severe periodontal disease with increased risk for heart attack, stroke and low birth-weight babies. Multiple studies have shown that genetics are responsible for much of the differences among patients in the severity of periodontal disease.

"We're pleased to embark upon this clinical study with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry aimed at using the PST test as one part of periodontitis risk assessment to guide preventative services to reduce the incidence and complications of periodontal disease," said Dr. Kenneth Kornman, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Interleukin Genetics, Inc. "One of the goals of personalized health care is to detect disease earlier and prevent it more effectively. With research suggesting that individuals with severe periodontal disease are at risk for other chronic disease complications, we have a unique opportunity to leverage genetic science to provide an integrated approach to early detection, prevention and management of oral health."

"This will be the largest clinical study ever conducted to evaluate the application of genetic information for the prevention of periodontal disease," said William Giannobile D.D.S., D.Med.Sc., University of Michigan Najjar Professor of Dentistry and Director of MCOHR.  "The results from this study could prove valuable for setting up new prevention strategies based on risk assessment tools, including genetic information.  Results from the study may lead to a significant improvement in the allocation of critical oral care resources and demonstrate the benefits of applying a personalized medicine approach to improving health outcomes."

Molecular biomarkers are now being used in various ways to provide an individual patient with optimal treatments. One of the major rationales for personalized healthcare involves guiding preventive services to more effectively prevent complications of common chronic diseases of aging, such as periodontitis, and to better allocate overall resources.

"This clinical study may provide findings that could potentially lead to greater adoption and widespread reimbursement of our important PST genetic test.  We are excited to be working with our partners on this program," said Lewis H. Bender, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics.