deCODE genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:DCGN) today announced the launch
of deCODE T2™, a novel DNA-based reference laboratory test
for the first common and well-validated genetic risk factor
for type 2 diabetes (T2D). deCODE believes this test may provide
an important means to better gauge individual risk of T2D
and in that help to guide prevention and treatment strategies.
The sequence variant detected by deCODE T2™ is a single SNP
(a one letter variation in the sequence of the genome) in
the TCF7L2 gene on chromosome 10. In deCODE’s original findings
published last year, and in published replications by independent
researchers in studies of tens of thousands of people from
populations around the globe, between 8-11% of the general
population have been shown to carry two copies of the risk
variant, but roughly twice that number of type 2 diabetics.
In other words, having two copies of the risk variant - a
positive result for the deCODE T2™ test – has been shown to
correspond to an approximate doubling of the likelihood of
T2D. Published studies have also demonstrated that testing
for the variant detected by deCODE T2™ can be used to identify
prediabetics at higher than average risk of progressing to
full-blown diabetes, and that these same individuals can effectively
counteract this added risk through weight loss and through
the use of certain medications. To learn more about deCODE
T2™, go to www.decodediagnostics.com, or our partner DNADirect’s
site at www.dnadirect.com.
“Understanding one’s risk of T2D is the first step toward
enabling more effective prevention. The principal risk factors
for T2D are well known – obesity, unhealthy diet and lack
of exercise – and by addressing these individuals can reduce
their risk of becoming diabetic. Family history, part of which
involves genetic risk factors, also plays a part. deCODE T2™
offers a new tool to help individuals and their doctors bring
an understanding of inherited risk into the picture. deCODE
T2™ is but the first of several DNA-based predisposition tests
we have in development for common diseases. We believe that
as individuals, doctors and healthcare providers begin to
integrate these tests as a part of everyday healthcare – much
as cholesterol screening has become a part of understanding
and reducing risk of heart disease – these tests may provide
major benefit to public health,” said Kari Stefansson, CEO
of deCODE.
How to order deCODE T2™
deCODE
T2™ is performed in deCODE’s Clinical Laboratory Improvement
Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory, and must be authorized
by a qualified physician. If you are a doctor interested
in learning more about deCODE T2™ for your patients, or
an individual who would like more information to discuss
with your doctor, we invite you to visit our website, at
www.decodediagnostics.com. Individuals can also go to the
website of our partner, DNA Direct, at www.dnadirect.com,
where
you will be provided with all the professional services
needed to obtain the test and interpret its results
from the convenience of your home.
Type 2 diabetes: A major public health problem
T2D is
a chronic condition that develops when the body either becomes
resistant to or doesn’t secrete enough insulin. Diabetes
affects nearly 200 million people worldwide and, according
to the American Diabetes Association, some 21 million in
the United States. The vast majority of these have T2D,
and as many as one third of Americans with diabetes may
not even be aware that they have the disease. More than
50 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition characterized
by elevated blood glucose levels and which puts these individuals
at high risk for developing T2D. T2D can be managed and
– most importantly – prevented. If losing weight, eating
better and getting adequate exercise aren't enough, there
are also medications that can help to manage blood sugar
levels and insulin response to reduce the likelihood of
developing diabetes. For more information on T2D and how
to prevent it, you can go to the American Diabetes Association’s
website at www.diabetes.org.
About deCODE
deCODE
is a
biopharmaceutical
company applying its discoveries in human genetics to the
development of drugs and diagnostics
for common
diseases.
deCODE is a global leader in gene discovery — our population
approach and resources have enabled us
to isolate
key genes
contributing to major public health challenges from cardiovascular
disease to cancer, genes
that
are providing
us with drug targets rooted in the basic biology of disease.
deCODE is also leveraging its expertise
in human
genetics
and integrated drug discovery and development capabilities
to offer
innovative products and services in DNA-based
diagnostics,
bioinformatics, genotyping, structural biology, drug discovery
and clinical development. deCODE
is delivering
on the
promise of the new genetics.SM Visit us on the web at www.decode.com.
About DNA Direct
DNA Direct
is a privately-held San Francisco company offering personalized,
confidential genetic testing and interpretation services.
DNA Direct’s mission is to provide individuals access to
genetic testing and the information necessary to understand
the test results in the context of their overall health,
family history, and lifestyle. www.dnadirect.com
Any statements contained in this presentation that relate
to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others,
those relating to technology and product development, integration
of acquired businesses, market acceptance, government regulation
and regulatory approval processes, intellectual property rights
and litigation, dependence on collaborative relationships,
ability to obtain financing, competitive products, industry
trends and other risks identified in deCODE’s filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. deCODE undertakes
no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
