Last week, Interleukin Genetics (Waltham, Massachusetts) launched a new all-encompassing brand for its personal genetic tests under the trademark Inherent Health. Under this umbrella resides a weight reduction program based on a first-of-its-kind test, the new Weight Management Genetic Test. The test identifies genetically-based tendencies for the body's metabolic behavior that affect weight gain.

Dr. Louis Perusse of Laval University in Quebec, author of the Obesity Gene Map, collaborated with Interleukin Genetics to develop this test. The genes used in the test were selected based on clinical data that support their impact on body weight.

The test's unique combination of genetic markers addresses variations in metabolism, carbohydrate absorption, fat absorption and storage. Perusse said, "This test and the related tools will be an important aid for individuals to help them manage their weight based on genetic influences."

Many other genetics and nutrition experts collaborated, providing top-notch advice. The company says its affordable, simple swab test will be ordered online from the Inherent Health site. Once tested, an individual will receive an interpretation of results and personalized guidance on key action items that can help control body weight.

That advice covers diet, nutrition and exercise options that can have the highest impact on that particular subject's weight loss. It also should allow the person to keep weight off. There will also be access to additional web-based weight management tools, for the input of ongoing nutritional, exercise, and weight data.

Commenting on the company's approach, Interleukin CEO Lewis Bender said, "The interest level, usefulness and science of genetic testing have grown significantly over the past few years." He added, "We believe that evidence found through multiple studies linking specific genetic variants to potential negative health outcomes, when coupled with well-packaged and meaningful guidance, can provide consumers with valuable insights to improve their present wellness and future health outcomes."

Besides the Weight Management Test, Inherent Health will provide access a suite of genetic tests. With the Nutritional Needs Genetic Test, variations in metabolism of B-vitamins that can be identified in the DNA of clients will show if there is genetically-induced ineffective use of these vitamins, increasing the potential for cell damage due to oxidative stress.

With the Heart Health Genetic Test, the predisposition for heart attack can be assessed by way of genes involved in inflammatory responses. It identifies people who will most likely overproduce inflammation-related chemicals that over time, could lead to a heart attack. In addition, with the new Bone Health Genetic Test, greater susceptibility to low bone mineral density that leads to osteoporosis and spinal fractures can be identified.

Lastly, with the Periodontal Disease Genetic Test, currently available through dentists, an individual can discover whether there is a predisposition for periodontal disease and subsequent tooth loss due to over-production of inflammation-producing compounds. Some are human interleukins produced in response to bacterial infection. Interleukin-related SNP gene variations in the population that were linked to periodontal and heart disease were the original interest of Interleukin Genetics.

Bender says the weight management test handling is not a great departure from their original periodontal testing business, as the company's CLIA-certified "lab is the same, science is the same, swabbing is the same."

In a recent interview with Bender, it was clear that he takes the matter of genetic testing as guidance for personal action quite seriously. His father, although still living, had several early bypass surgeries. Bender decided, "If I can avoid all that, I will."

He not only uses his company's tests, but has implemented many lifestyle and nutritional changes in his own life. Bender said, "We now need to pursue the end of life," in a different way than just addressing age and inflammation-related health problems after the fact, so people can have a "higher quality of life."

Bender's intense concern with the genetic risk of pro-inflammatory conditions will lead the company forward to not only develop more genetic tests, but also to find collaborative partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology drug manufacturers to discover solutions to other chronic human diseases.

He believes that use of personalized testing can contribute to the creation of better clinical study designs, because some drugs work best in a more targeted subset of patients. His firm, which to date has patented more than 20 genetic SNPs and diagnostic methods, specializes in biomarkers of inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis.

The company's new strategy of combining genetic testing with evidence-based guidance in a comprehensive direct-to-consumer package that can address weight gain, a condition that often leads to other chronic complications, appears to be a brilliant move on the preventive end of personalized medicine.

Tapping the emerging personalized health market in this way may turn out to be a highly successful business model, as well.