Interleukin Genetics has signed an agreement with the University of Michigan to conduct a clinical study on the risk factors predictive of periodontal disease progression to tooth loss using a new version of the company's PST genetic test.
PST is Interleukin's genetic test brand that identifies individuals with increased risk for severe and progressive periodontal disease and significant tooth loss based on a proprietary panel of genetic variations that predispose an individual to overexpress inflammation.
The clinical study, using a large dental claims database, will be conducted and led by William Giannobile, D.D.S., D.Med.Sc., director of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. It is designed to test whether risk factors, including genetic information, can guide more successful intervention, thus reduce the adverse outcomes of periodontal disease, such as tooth loss. It will be the largest clinical study ever conducted to evaluate the application of genetic information for the prevention of periodontal disease, Dr. Giannobile noted in a press release.
The study, which is expected to begin in the fall and take approximately 12 months to complete, will enroll approximately 4,000 consenting individuals with more than 15 consecutive years of documented oral health history. Information on periodontitis risk factors and genetic information will be collected from participants to assess the frequency of preventive visits that is consistent with maintenance of proper periodontal health in patients classified as either low-risk or high-risk for periodontitis progression. The study is being funded by Renaissance Health Service, a nonprofit organization focused on the advancement of oral health.
Copyright © 2010 DrBicuspid.com
