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deCODE's newly presented data demonstrate that the SNPs measured bydeCODE AF(TM) are the most significant known genetic risk factors not onlyfor AF, but also for ischemic stroke. But most surprisingly, these samemarkers were also shown to confer risk of cryptogenic and large vessel strokeas well. The strong connection between AF and non-cardiogenic subtypes ledthe deCODE team to estimate that 20-30% of these subtypes is likely due toundiagnosed, intermittent AF. This means that AF causes an even largerproportion of stroke than previously believed, making tools like deCODEAF(TM) all the more important for helping doctors to target monitoring tothose at risk and to tailor therapy accordingly.
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"Through an analysis of the SNPs in deCODE AF(TM) we have expanded ourunderstanding of the role of AF in causing stroke, and physicians canimmediately take this new information into the clinic through the use of thesame test. This has implications for the prevention of recurrent stroke,because most patients who have suffered a cryptogenic or large vessel eventare discharged and put on Plavix or aspirin, which have little impact inpreventing AF. Testing all of their stroke and TIA patients with deCODEAF(TM), doctors can identify those who should be monitored for AF. And forthose who evidence AF, warfarin may be the best therapy. With our partnerMedicomp we are now planning a multicenter study pairing the use of deCODEAF(TM) with ambulatory digital cardiac monitors, in order to demonstrate theimpact that improving the detection of AF cna have on the prevention ofstroke," said Dr. Kari Stefansson, M.D., Dr. Med., CEO of deCODE, aboard-certified neurologist and neuropathologist.
About deCODE AF(TM) and this study
In 2007, deCODE discovered two SNPs on chromosome 4q25 that double therisk of atrial fibrillation, and later that year launched deCODE AF(TM) toenable doctors to detect these SNPs in their patients. In the study discussedabove, deCODE conducted a genome-wide association study to identify riskvariants for stroke. The deCODE team analyzed more than 300,000 single lattervariations (SNPs) across the genomes of more than 35,000 stroke patients andcontrol subjects from several discovery and replication cohorts from theUnited States and Europe. The 4q25 SNPs in the deCODE AF test - calledrs10033464 and rs2200733 - were the only markers found to confersignificantly increased risk of ischemic stroke in general and carioembolicstroke in particular. This was not unexpected, because AF is such a majorrisk for ischemic stroke. However rs2200733 was also strongly associated withincreased risk of non-cardiogenic stroke as well.
How to order deCODE AF(TM)
Additional information and physician order forms for deCODE AFr(TM) canbe found at http://www.decodediagnostics.com. The price of the test is $200dollars and deCODE facilitates filing for reimbursement with commercialinsurers. Testing is performed in deCODE's CLIA-registered laboratory, whichhas analyzed the genomes of hundreds of thousands of people from around theglobe.
About deCODE
deCODE is a bio-pharmaceutical company developing drugs and DNA-basedtests to improve the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of common diseases.Its lead therapeutic programs, which leverage the company's expertise inchemistry and structural biology, include DG041, an antiplatelet compoundbeing developed for the prevention of arterial thrombosis; DG051 and DG031,compounds targeting the leukotriene pathway for the prevention of heartattack; and DG071 and a platform for other PDE4 modulators with therapeuticapplications in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. deCODE is a globalleader in human genetics, and has identified key variations in the genome(SNPs) conferring increased risk of major public health challenges fromcardiovascular disease to cancer. Based upon these discoveries deCODE hasbrought to market a growing range of DNA-based tests for gauging risk andempowering prevention of common diseases. Through its CLIA-registeredlaboratory, deCODE is offers deCODE T2(TM) for type 2 diabetes; deCODE AF(TM)for atrial fibrillation and stroke; deCODE MI(TM) for heart attack; deCODEProCa(TM) for prostate cancer; deCODE Glaucoma(TM) for a major type ofglaucoma; and deCODE BreastCancer, for the common forms of breast cancer.deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.(SM) Visit us on theweb at http://www.decode.com; on our diagnostics site athttp://www.decodediagnostics.com; for our pioneering personal genome analysisservice, integrating the genetic variants included in these tests and thoselinked to another twenty common diseases, at http://www.decodeme.com; and onour blog at http://www.decodeyou.com.
Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to futureplans, events or performance are forward-looking statements within themeaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Theseforward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertaintiesthat could cause actual results, and the timing of events, to differmaterially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Theserisks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to our abilityto obtain financing and to form collaborative relationships, the effect of apotential delisting of our common stock from The Nasdaq Global Market,uncertainty regarding potential future deterioration in the market forauction rate securities which could negatively affect our cash position andresult in additional permanent impairment charges, our ability to develop andmarket diagnostic products, the level of third party reimbursement for ourproducts, risks related to preclinical and clinical development ofpharmaceutical products, including the identification of compounds and thecompletion of clinical trials, the effect of government regulation and theregulatory approval processes, market acceptance, our ability to obtain andprotect intellectual property rights for our products, dependence oncollaborative relationships, the effect of competitive products, industrytrends and other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities andExchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risk factorsidentified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates tothose risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. deCODE undertakes no obligation toupdate or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of newinformation, future events or otherwise.Contacts: deCODE communications Edward Farmer +354-570-2819 [email protected] deCODE diagnostics Clyde Shores +1-630-544-1459 [email protected] Porter Novelli Amy Speak +1-617-480-2708 [email protected]
SOURCE deCODE genetics Inc
