CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IntegraGen announced today the formation of a Community Advisory Panel whose members include individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parents of individuals with ASD, and individuals with experience working with autism advocacy and service organizations. The group has been formed to provide the company with insight and feedback on planned educational and informational initiatives. The advisory panel’s first meeting was held on December 18, 2012 in Washington, D.C.
“IntegraGen recognizes the importance of obtaining direct feedback and input from individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and their parents as we develop informational and educational materials focusing on the ARISk® Autism Risk Assessment Test,” stated Larry Yost, General Manager, IntegraGen, Inc. “We also believe that insights from this group will complement the feedback we receive from our Scientific Advisory Board and help us to identify the best opportunities for partnering with the autism community and advocacy groups in order to assist efforts which lead to the earlier identification of individuals with autism leading to early access to interventional therapies and services.”
The advisory panel will be chaired by Lee Grossman, CAE, former President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, a past member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee and the father of a son with autism.
“Early identification, diagnosis, and initiation of appropriate interventions are vital for improving outcomes in children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder,” said Mr. Grossman. "The Panel provides a voice from the autism community to the management of IntegraGen as the company develops informational and educational materials and programs which aid in this process. We were impressed with how IntegraGen responded to our advice and look forward to working closely with the company going forward.”
Click here for additional information on IntegraGen’s Autism Community Advisory Panel and a list of panel members.
About IntegraGen
IntegraGen SA (ALINT.PA) is a biotechnology company dedicated to molecular biomarker discovery. The company is headquartered in Evry, France-based and has a wholly-owned US subsidiary is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Company’s goal is the development of molecular diagnostic products and services that provide clinicians with new tools to personalize diagnosis, treatment and therapy for complex debilitating diseases. Its Genetic Services Business provides state-of-the-art genotyping services to the research community. Focusing its efforts on the early identification of children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), IntegraGen has made inroads in identifying a number of common genetic variants associated with ASD. The Company has recently launched the ARISk Test in the United States providing a genetic screening tool for the early identification of children at risk for ASD.
About the ARISk® Test:
The ARISk Test is a laboratory developed test that is only available through licensed medical practitioners. DNA samples are collected via a simple cheek swab and sent to a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited lab where the genetic markers are detected via state-of-the-art genomic testing instruments. Results are returned to the ordering physician two- to four-weeks after the sample is received. Children who are identified as having a significantly higher risk of developing ASD have a two to four fold increased risk of autism compared to the average sibling of a child with autism. It is recommended that children who are identified as having a higher risk of autism be referred to an autism specialists for a diagnostic work-up and, if diagnosed, early behavioral intervention.