Interleukin and Geisinger Collaborate in Obesity Research

Interleukin Genetics, which develops preventive consumer products and genetic tests, and Geisinger Health System, an integrated health services organization, have announced a research collaboration to explore the role of genetics in obesity.

The goal of the collaboration is to develop a series of genetic tests that will help physicians better understand an individual’s inherited resistance to weight loss and, more specifically, gauge a patient’s likelihood of success with diet and other weight loss techniques.

Geisinger and Interleukin Genetics will engage in a case-control retrospective study involving the analysis of DNA to better understand genetic links to obesity. The study will focus exclusively on variations of perilipin, interleukin 1 and a select number of other genes.

Lewis Bender, CEO of Interleukin Genetics, said: “We are pleased to be working with Geisinger to develop an accurate and affordable genetic test as a predictor of weight loss success. This relationship allows our scientists to build on Geisinger’s extensive clinical expertise and biobank.”