Interleukin Genetics and Metagenics Initiate Research Collaboration

WALTHAM, Mass. and GIG HARBOR, Wash., May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU) and Metagenics, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a research collaboration to identify predictive biomarkers combinations for use with Metagenics Compound Meta-060, which is a proprietary and patented formulation of tetrahydro iso-alpha acids derived from hops, in development for weight management. A key aim of the collaboration is to investigate if genetic variations identified by Interleukin Genetics are beneficial to improving weight loss and maintenance of weight loss in adults using Meta-060. Metagenics will be funding the clinical and genetic research.

"We're pleased to enter this collaboration with Metagenics, which further reinforces Interleukin Genetics' commitment to personalized medicine in the field of weight management," said Lewis H. Bender, chief executive officer, Interleukin Genetics. "We believe this research could create useful prognostic tests that can be used with treatments such as the Metagenics compound to better manage an individual's weight. We also expect that the data generated from this study will provide a new tool in the development of improved treatments for obesity, a clear unmet medical need in personalizing disease management."

"We are excited to be working with Interleukin Genetics on this important program. The results Metagenics and Interleukin Genetics have reported in our respective areas of expertise made joint collaboration between our two companies a natural fit," said Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, Metagenics. "Today's partnership underscores our corporate goal to continue to develop novel compounds and diagnostic tools that will significantly help to advance important research in the area of weight management."

About Weight Management

Obesity has become an increasingly important clinical and public health challenge worldwide. The International Obesity Taskforce estimates there are about 1.1 billion overweight and 350 million obese individuals worldwide and these numbers are expected to grow significantly in the next decade. In the U.S., prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the past 25 years. Nearly two-thirds of adults are believed to be overweight or obese. Overweight and obese subjects are at a higher risk of developing one or more serious medical conditions including hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart diseases and diabetes. In the past few years public health agencies have been developing strategies and methods to combat this complex etiology.

Human obesity arises from the interactions of multiple genes, environmental factors and behaviors, and renders management and prevention of obesity very challenging. According to the World Health Organization, the lack of physical activity and easy availability of palatable foods are the principle characteristics of our modern lifestyle that have contributed to obesity worldwide. There is substantial evidence that individuals respond differently in terms of weight gain or weight loss to caloric increases or restrictions, and much of this variance is attributable to genetics. Genetics determines an individual's susceptibility to become obese when exposed to an unfavorable environment, as well as the way a person can respond to diet and exercise. In recent years there has been extensive research on gene variations (such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) associated with obesity. Other genetic studies have focused on gene-environment interactions involved in body weight differences. These studies have identified a number of SNPs that respond to diet or exercise. For example, certain SNPs make some people more sensitive to the amount of fat in the diet, while other SNPs make some people more resistant to exercise-induced weight loss.

About Metagenics, Inc.

Metagenics, Inc. (www.metagenics.com) is a nutrigenomics and lifestyle medicine company focused on reversing chronic illness and improving health. Founded in 1983, Metagenics serves more than 75,000 healthcare providers worldwide through premium quality, science-based medical foods, nutritional formulas, and lifestyle therapy programs to help their patients achieve a lifetime of good health. Metagenics' scientific staff—among the largest in the nutrigenomics industry—has published more than 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been awarded more than 40 international or domestic patents.  The company's educational arm, Metagenics University, collaborates with renowned medical experts to annually deliver more than 200 events designed to help healthcare professionals stay on the leading edge of lifestyle medicine and incorporate nutrition into their clinical practice.

Metagenics maintains its corporate headquarters in San Clemente, CA; R&D headquarters in Gig Harbor, WA; and operating subsidiaries in Brussels, Belgium and Brisbane, Australia.

About Interleukin Genetics, Inc.

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU) develops and markets a line of genetic tests under the Inherent Health® brand.  The products empower individuals to prevent certain chronic conditions and manage their existing health and wellness through genetic-based insights with actionable guidance. Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property and genetic panel development expertise in metabolism and inflammation to facilitate the emerging personalized healthcare market. Interleukin Genetics markets its tests through partnerships with health and wellness companies, healthcare professionals and other distribution channels. Interleukin Genetics' flagship products include its proprietary PST® genetic risk panel for periodontal disease and tooth loss susceptibility sold through dentists, and the Inherent Health Weight Management Genetic Test that identifies the most effective diet and exercise program for an individual based on genetics. 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.

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking" statements, including statements that the clinical study has the potential to result in tests and tools that can be used to treat obesity and better manage an individual's weight.  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 the Interleukin Genetics' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interleukin Genetics disclaims any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

For Interleukin Genetics, Inc.
Media (ILIU):
Jon Siegal
Schwartz Communications
(781) 684-0770,
[email protected]  

Investor Relations (ILIU):
Eliot M. Lurier, CPA
Chief Financial officer
Interleukin Genetics, Inc.
(781) 398-0700
[email protected]  

For Metagenics
Media:
Joy Scott
Scott Public Relations
818-610-0270
[email protected]

SOURCE Interleukin Genetics, Inc.