Second Study Validates Role in Recurrent Cardiac Events

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. recently announced the presentation of clinical data from “The Ioannina Study” at the 66th Annual Scientific Session & Expo of the American College of Cardiology (ACC 2017) in Washington, DC, that demonstrates the ability of certain interleukin-1 (IL-1) genetic patterns together with elevated lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) to predict recurrent atherosclerotic cardiac events. Dr. Bechlioulis and co-workers reported the new findings from the University Hospital of Ioannina (Greece) along with collaborators from the University of California at San Diego.

In the longitudinal study (median time 43 months) of 1,084 patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography, non-diabetics with elevated levels of Lp(a) who also tested positive for pro-inflammatory IL-1 genetic patterns had a statistically significant increased risk for secondary cardiac events, including myocardial infarctions, strokes, and death, than patients without the two risk factors. “The Ioannina Study” findings corroborate the results of an earlier study published in 2014 of 499 patients treated at the Mayo Clinic.

“We are excited to report these findings, which enhance our understanding of the role of genetics in cardiovascular disease. The IL-1 genetics provide a more specific tool to predict the risk of secondary coronary events at the patient level,” said Sotirios Tsimikas, MD, from the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of San Diego, La Jolla, CA. “This data suggests that increased risk associated with elevated Lp(a) levels is conditional on knowing a patient’s IL-1 genotype, thus providing additional insights to predict future cardiac events and manage their treatment more effectively.”

“Many years of scientific inquiry have produced important insights into the roles of inflammation and oxidized lipids in the complex disease process within the walls of the coronary arteries,” added Kenneth Kornman, Chief Scientific Officer of Interleukin Genetics. “We are pleased to see further evidence of the critical role of the IL-1 genotype and Lp(a) levels in predicting recurrent cardiac events. We believe this information is essential to improving the identification and treatment of patients at increased risk for secondary cardiac events.”

“Our proprietary genetic test holds the potential for significant clinical value through identifying patients at risk and selecting appropriate drug interventions,” says Mark Carbeau, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. “We intend to capture value through collaborations with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical testing companies.”

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, including pharmacogenomics information to guide development and use of therapeutics. Interleukin Genetics’ lead products include its proprietary ILUSTRA Inflammation Management Program, an integrated program that utilizes a simple genetic test to easily identify patients at elevated risk for developing severe periodontal disease due to a genetic tendency to over-produce inflammation; its cardiovascular test to guide treatment of high risk patients; and its Inherent Health line of genetic tests. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in suburban Boston and operates an on-site DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). For more information, visit www.ilgenetics.com.