WALTHAM, Mass., July 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB:ILIU), a life sciences company focused on the genetics of chronic inflammation announced today that it has signed an agreement with Amway, a leading direct selling company, to provide Interleukin’s PerioPredict® Genetic Risk Test and Patient Engagement Platform to Amway’s employees as part of an enhanced employee benefits plan. Under terms of the agreement, Interleukin Genetics will make PerioPredict available to Amway’s approximately 5,000 employees in the US. The program is expected to begin in September 2016.
PerioPredict identifies individuals at increased risk for severe periodontitis due to a genetic tendency to over-produce inflammation, so employees can enhance preventive care and better manage chronic inflammation. PerioPredict is supported by an interactive communications platform customized to each individual’s risk profile, behavioral tendencies and personal preferences. The combined program provides genetic insights to enable targeted treatment plans and delivers engaging personalized content tailored to maximize participant engagement. The program is designed to transform the management of an individual’s inflammation and promote wellness.
“We are excited to provide PerioPredict as a covered benefit to our employees,” said Claire Groen, VP Global Compensation & Benefits, “Through access to this test and the supporting educational engagement platform, our employees have an option to be more involved in understanding their own individual results, so they may take proactive steps toward disease prevention to enhance their overall health and wellness. We are looking forward to partnering with Interleukin Genetics on this important program at Amway.”
“We are very pleased to announce the implementation of our PerioPredict program with Amway, a global leader and true innovator in the health and wellness industry,” said Mark Carbeau, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin. “Our relationship with Amway is another demonstration of executing on our strategy to partner with progressive employers who see value to integrating dental and medical science into a more holistic approach to health. We look forward to continuing to expand this important genetic test and engagement platform.”
About PerioPredict
PerioPredict is an innovative, easy-to-use genetic test that identifies individuals with an increased risk for severe and progressive periodontitis, due to a life-long genetic predisposition to over-produce Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key mediator of inflammation. Such individuals may benefit from enhanced dental care to prevent or treat periodontitis and thereby lower their systemic inflammatory burden. Targeted management of systemic inflammation has been shown to help manage several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The PerioPredict test is made available to employees in covered health plans under the supervision of a licensed dentist or physician, and the results provide important information to dental professionals for assessing prevention and treatment options for their patients. The PerioPredict test is run solely in Interleukin’s CLIA-certified lab in Waltham, MA. For more information, please visit www.PerioPredict.com.
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 regarding the timing of the implementation of the program with Amway and expanding the PerioPredict test and engagement platform. 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.