Interleukin Genetics to develop genetic test for obesity:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Interleukin Genetics is to develop a genetic test to guide weight loss in obese individuals. The Waltham, Massachusetts company will use its perilipin genetic technology, in-licensed from Tufts University, to assess patients' variations in the perilipin gene. Genetic variations of this type are associated with differences in fat metabolism, body weight, and rate of weight loss on calorie restricted diets. Interleukin's proprietary genetic test will assist physicians and medically-supervised weight loss clinics in guiding obese patients to more effective weight loss. One in three US individuals is now classified as obese, and 127 million are overweight.