WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB:ILIU), a life science company focused on the genetics of chronic inflammation, today announced their contribution to the key publication in The Lancet (September 21, 2016) of the article “Antisense oligonucleotides targeting apolipoprotein(a) in people with raised lipoprotein(a): two randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, dose ranging trials.” The article provides strong evidence that the antisense drug IONIS-APO(a)-LRX is well tolerated and capable of achieving substantial reductions in Lp(a) concentrations in patients. The drug is intended, in part, to reduce the risk for secondary cardiovascular events in individuals with elevated Lp(a).
“This prestigious publication shows the potential for Interleukin-1 genetic variations as well as Lp(a) genetic variations to provide genetic insights that potentially inform clinical and commercial strategies for the drugs,” said Ken Kornman, Chief Scientific Officer. “Interleukin Genetics continues to work with key collaborators like Ionis Pharmaceuticals to examine the role of inflammatory markers we have developed and their utility to stratify subjects in clinical trials based on drug efficacy.”
Interleukin Genetics provided analysis of genetic factors that relate to how IL-1 biological activity and plasma Lp(a) levels interact to influence cardiovascular disease, as part of the collaboration agreement with Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced in 2015. As reported in the paper, 64% of the participants in the Phase 2 trial, which recruited participants with very high Lp(a) levels, were positive for the pro-inflammatory IL-1 genetic patterns. Previous reports together with these collaborators have shown that elevated levels of Lp(a) combined with being positive for pro-inflammatory IL-1 genetic patterns were predictive of secondary cardiovascular events in patients with prior history of coronary artery disease (Tsimikas et al. 2014).
“We are pleased to continue building further evidence of the role our key genetic test patterns for cardiovascular disease play in providing insights in risk assessment and stratification of patients for drug development,” said Mark B. Carbeau, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. “Our relationship with Ionis Pharmaceuticals is another example of collaborations we form to expand our participation in areas to leverage our IL-1 expertise and intellectual property.”
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 our genetic test patterns have potential to impact clinical and commercial strategies of drugs in development. 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
