SAN DIEGO, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Prometheus Laboratories Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic company, today announced the launch of MyCeliacID(TM), the first do it yourself, saliva-based genetic test dedicated to celiac disease. MyCeliacID identifies distinct genetic sequences associated with celiac disease, a largely undiagnosed genetic disorder that affects approximately 3 million people in the United States. MyCeliacID is the saliva-based version of a blood test used by doctors. The test can be ordered online at www.MyCeliacID.com.
“Prometheus is a leader in celiac genetic testing, performing more than 80,000 blood-based genetic tests for celiac disease to date,” said Ron Rocca, Prometheus’ General Manager, Gastrointestinal Products. “An estimated 1% of people in the United States live with celiac disease however many remain undiagnosed. We have decided to make MyCeliacID, a highly-reliable, non-invasive, DNA-based test for celiac disease, available directly to the public so that people who are searching for answers can have better information about their condition.”
Celiac disease appears in individuals genetically predisposed to the disease and who consume gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. MyCeliacID is the only test that provides individuals with their risk of developing the disease relative to the general population. In addition, MyCeliacID can virtually rule out celiac disease in a person’s lifetime. A negative test result indicates that the individual does not have the genes associated with celiac disease and is highly unlikely to develop the disease. A positive result indicates that the individual has one or more genes that predispose to celiac disease, however it is not an indication of the disease itself. Individuals with a positive test result should see a physician, who may elect to perform other testing. Only a doctor can diagnose celiac disease.
“When my son Tyler was diagnosed in 1991, genetic testing for celiac disease wasn’t available,” said Danna Korn, founder of Raising Our Celiac Kids (ROCK) and author of four best-selling books, including Living Gluten-Free for Dummies. “It took two frustrating years of searching for answers and for the cause of my son’s symptoms. Today, with MyCeliacID, you can quickly find out if you or a loved one has the genes for celiac disease.”
MyCeliacID is available online. A licensed physician will review and place the order in accordance with state and federal law after a test request is made online. In addition, after the testing is performed, the physician will review and release the result. Test results can be accessed online via a secure link, usually within 7 days from receipt of the saliva sample.
About Celiac
Celiac disease is an immune-mediated digestive disease that is triggered by the consumption of gluten and damages the small intestine, interfering with the absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms of celiac disease may vary significantly from person to person and include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, anemia, abdominal pain, skin rash and weight loss. The number of diagnosed patients is expected to increase significantly over the next several years, driven by broad-based educational campaigns, National Institutes of Health research funding and widely-available genetic and blood tests for highly-specific antibodies.
About Prometheus
Prometheus Laboratories Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic company committed to developing and commercializing novel pharmaceutical and diagnostic products to help physicians individualize patient care. Prometheus is a leader in applying the principles of personalized medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and intends to apply these principles to oncology. Its strategy includes the marketing and delivery of pharmaceutical products complemented by proprietary, high-value diagnostic testing services. By integrating pharmaceutical products and diagnostic testing services, Prometheus believes it can address the full continuum of care, thereby providing physicians with a comprehensive solution to treat chronic diseases. Prometheus’ corporate offices are located in San Diego.
CONTACT: Pete De Spain, Director, Investor Relations & Corporate
Communications of Prometheus Laboratories Inc., +1-858-587-4117,
pdespain@prometheuslabs.com
Web site: http://www.MyCeliacID.com/
