CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IntegraGen, a leading player in the development and marketing of molecular diagnostic testing in autism and oncology, announced today that it presented data during the 2014 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) held in Atlanta, Georgia reporting the results of a study which permits the ability to predict the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children with signs of developmental delay or autism. The study identified over 1,700 common genetic variants which were shown to be associated with the risk of autism. The present study, which included nearly 3,000 individuals diagnosed with ASD and 3,000 controls, builds on previous research the company conducted which identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that permit the ability to predict the risk of autism in children who have an older sibling diagnosed with ASD.
“Our research provides new insights into the genetics of autism and identifies common genetic variants which are associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder in children with signs of developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder,” stated study author Francois Liebaert, M.D., Vice-President of R&D and Medical Affairs at IntegraGen. “These results were obtained by using several large independent clinical data sets which included both individuals diagnosed with ASD and separate control populations allowing us to identify genetic variants more commonly present in individuals with ASD.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently reported that it estimates that the prevalence of ASD in the U.S. is 1 in 68 children, a 30% increase in the two year period since the previous CDC report. The CDC has also reported that the average age a child is diagnosed with ASD has not changed and remains at greater than 4 years of age with children with milder forms of ASD not being diagnosed until 6 years of age or older. This new data reinforces the need to identify children at increased risk of ASD earlier so they can be assessed, and if warranted, begin beneficial interventions at an earlier age when they have a higher likelihood of success.
“Major issues facing parents of children with autism are the often significant delay in the diagnosis of autism and the extended wait time for these children to be referred to and be seen by a specialist,” stated Dr. Bernard Courtieu, IntegraGen’s Chief Executive Officer. “The results of this research have been incorporated into the newer version of our ARISk® Test permitting physicians to prescribe the test for a broader patient population of children who have early signs of developmental delay or autism. The earlier identification of children at increased risk of autism can help lead to faster referrals, earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention and better prognosis for these children.”
ABOUT THE ARISK® TEST:
The ARISk Test is a genetic test that analyzes the likelihood that a child will develop autism. IntegraGen has recently launched the ARISk2 Test which expands the clinical utility of the test to now include children who have signs of developmental delay or autism in addition to children who have an older sibling diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. 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 laboratory where the genetic markers are detected via state-of-the-art genomic testing instruments. 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.
ABOUT INTEGRAGEN
Founded in 2000, IntegraGen (ALINT.PA) is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of molecular diagnostic tests in the fields of autism and oncology. IntegraGen’s mission is to translate molecular research into clinical practice through the identification of novel genetic biomarkers and the subsequent development of molecular diagnostic tests which allow clinicians to better manage the clinical care of their patients. IntegraGen is also a leader in delivering expert genomic service solutions to academic researchers and life sciences companies as a result of its scientific knowledge and technological expertise related to cutting edge genomic platforms and bioinformatics. Focusing its efforts on the early identification of children at risk for ASD, IntegraGen has made inroads in identifying common genetic variants associated with ASD while also developing the ARISk Test, a genetic screening tool for the early identification of children at risk for ASD who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism.
For more information about the ARISk Test visit www.arisktest.com
For more information on IntegraGen visit www.integragen.com.
