SignatureMD and Biophysical Corp. Announce Partnership To Bring Pre-Diabetes Program To Doctors Nationwide

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SignatureMD, a leading provider of personalized or concierge medicine, and Biophysical Corporation, dedicated to advancing clinical knowledge and quality of life for its clients, announced today a joint program to bring an advanced pre-diabetes biomarker test to SignatureMD's affiliated medical practices nationwide.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States. It's also a major cause of heart disease and stroke. All told, diabetes affects 25.8 million people in the U.S. with 7 million undiagnosed (source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services).

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose, also called blood sugar, or A1C levels higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes who lose weight and increase their physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and in some cases return their blood glucose levels to normal.

BiophysicalPre-D™ is a comprehensive blood test designed to monitor 15 biomarkers associated with pre-diabetic conditions along three spectrums: insulin resistance and beta cell function, obesity and hormone dysregulation, and inflammation.  The test is coupled with a report that explains in detail the meaning of the biomarker measurements, allowing a physician to work with a patient to develop a medical and lifestyle regimen that maximizes results.  Some patients with pre-diabetes will benefit from medications in addition to lifestyle changes and this panel also helps to identify these people.

"We're proud to be the first and only personalized medical services company to offer the BiophysicalPre-D. This state-of-the art test fits perfectly into the SignatureMD philosophy of providing its network of physicians with the very latest in preventive health tools and technology to ensure their patients receive extraordinary health care," said Matt Jacobson, CEO of SignatureMD.

"I'm excited about this product because finally physicians have the information they need to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.  So many people are at risk for type 2 diabetes and for the physician it's always been difficult to tease out who is most at risk and needs the most aggressive management.  With the BiophysicalPre-D, physician's can risk stratify patients and focus their efforts on the highest risk people.  Best of all patients can understand their results and see how their insulin dynamics and hormone patterns are returning to normal.  That's motivational and powerful," said George Rodgers, M.D., Biophysical's Chief Medical Officer.

About SignatureMD

SignatureMD, based in Los Angeles, is the country's leading concierge healthcare service company dedicated to enhancing patients' health and well-being by providing high quality, innovative and advanced personalized medicine. SignatureMD patients enjoy their physicians' undivided attention and commitment. With SignatureMD both doctors and patients enhance their relationship and their lives. More information is available at www.signaturemd.com.

About Biophysical Corporation

Biophysical Corporation is a private, Austin, Texas-based company dedicated to advancing clinical knowledge and quality of life for its clients. The company's management and advisory board includes internationally renowned physicians and scientists who are leaders in the field of biomarker research. More information is available at www.biophysicalcorp.com or by calling 800.532.7092.

SOURCE SignatureMD