Personalized test to help identify
likelihood of experiencing adverse side effects from statin
use
Regulatory News:
Boston Heart Diagnostics (“Boston Heart”), a subsidiary of
Eurofins Scientific (Paris:ERF) (EUFI.PA), the global leader in
bio-analytical testing, and one of the world leaders in genomic
services, announces the launch of StatinSmart™, the first
and only at-home saliva laboratory developed test that analyzes the
SLCO1B1 (Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter 1B1) gene for a
variant known to increase an individual’s risk for developing
statin induced myopathy - the onset of muscle aches, spasms and
pain associated with statin therapy. StatinSmart™ helps patients
understand how their bodies will process a statin and encourages
them to discuss with their healthcare provider the type of statin
that is best suited to their genotype. With this information,
patients can work with their healthcare provider to personalize a
plan to lower cholesterol without unnecessary side effects.
Boston Heart currently offers the SLCO1B1 genotype test through
healthcare providers, but this is the first time this laboratory
developed test will be offered directly to individuals online at
statinsmart.com. All orders require physician authorization and
include support for individuals to discuss their genotype result
with their personal healthcare provider.
SLCO1B1 is one of the genes that instruct the enzymes that
process statins in the liver1-4. The SLCO1B1 genotype was
identified at the University of Oxford in the UK. Boston Heart
holds the exclusive U.S. license for the SLCO1B1 genotype test. To
date, Boston Heart has performed over 250,000 SLCO1B1 genotype
tests.
Although statins have been shown to significantly lower heart
disease and stroke rates, studies estimate that of the 25-50% of
patients with cardiovascular disease who stop taking their statin
medications as directed, 60% cite muscle pain as the primary reason
for discontinuation. A variant in the SLCO1B1 gene can cause the
statin to not be fully processed, with the excess statin then
moving through the blood stream into the muscles and causing pain.
About 25% of the population has one or both variants, making them
up to 4.5 to 17 times more likely to suffer muscle aches and
pain3.
In a survey of individuals who have experienced side effects
from statins in the past and have stopped taking them, 89% would
consider taking statins again if they could potentially reduce the
side effects5. Research6 shows that patients who received SLCO1B1
genotype-guided therapy were more likely to fill their statin
prescription, take the medication as directed, and ultimately lower
their LDL cholesterol7.
Comment from Susan Hertzberg, CEO of Boston Heart: “We’re
excited to bring our SLCO1B1 test directly to the consumer.
Personalized medicine should be a critical piece of the process for
managing cardiovascular disease - one in four people have risk of
muscle pain on a statin, and this is the only commercially
available genetic test to identify a patient’s likelihood of
experiencing this side effect. We know that patients are struggling
with managing the side effects of statin medications, and
StatinSmart™ can help guide patients and their healthcare
providers in selecting a treatment plan to lower cholesterol
without suffering through the trial-and-error process of painful
side effects.”
For more information, please visit
www.eurofins.com
1. Akao H, Polisecki E, Kajinami K, Trompet S, Robertson M, Ford
I, Jukema JW, de Craen AJM, Westendorp RGJ, Shepherd J, Packard C,
Buckley BM, Schaefer EJ. Genetic variation at the SLCO1B1 gene
locus and low density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering response to
pravastatin in the elderly. Atherosclerosis. 2012;
220(2):413-417.2. Niemi M, Pasanen MK, Neuvonen PJ. Organic anion
transporting polypeptide 1B1: a genetically polymorphic transporter
of major importance for hepatic drug uptake. Pharmacol Rev.
2011;63(1):157-181.3. The SEARCH Collaborative Group. SLCO1B1
variants and statin-induced myopathy – a genomewide study. N Engl J
Med. 2008;359(8):789-799.4. Voora D, Shah SH, Spasojevic I, Ali S,
Reed CR, Salisbury BA, Ginsburg GS. The SLCO1B1*5 genetic variant
is associated with statin-induced side effects. J Am Coll Cardiol.
2009;54(17):1609-1616.5. Survey Methodology: The Boston Heart
StatinSmart survey was conducted by Survata between May 28-June 22,
2015 via an online consumer panel of 1003 people with high
cholesterol and who are on or have been on statins, ages 40-65.6.
www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/4/2/147/htm7. Li JH, Joy SV, Haga SB, et al.
Genetically guided statin therapy on statin perceptions, adherence,
and cholesterol lowering: a pilot implementation study in primary
care patients. J Pers Med. 2014;4(2):147-162.
Notes for the editor:
About Boston Heart
Boston Heart Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Eurofins Scientific,
is transforming the treatment of cardiovascular disease by
providing healthcare providers and their patients with novel,
personalized diagnostics and integrated customized lifestyle
programs that have the power to change the way clinicians and
patients communicate about disease and improve heart health. Boston
Heart looks beyond the “good” and “bad” cholesterol assessment that
conventional labs provide to give a more complete picture of heart
health. Founded by renowned cardiovascular researchers and led by
seasoned lab and diagnostic executives, Boston Heart is one of the
fastest growing health companies in the country. Boston Heart is a
subsidiary of Eurofins Scientific. For more information on Boston
Heart Diagnostics, please visit www.bostonheartdiagnostics.com.
Eurofins – a global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins Scientific is the world leader in food, environment and
pharmaceutical products testing. It is also one of the global
market leaders in agroscience, genomics, discovery pharmacology and
central laboratory services. In addition, Eurofins is one of the
key emerging players in specialty clinical diagnostic testing in
Europe and the USA.
With 20,000 staff in around 200 laboratories across 38
countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 130,000 reliable
analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity,
composition, authenticity, origin and purity of biological
substances and products, as well as for innovative clinical
diagnostic. The Group provides its customers with high-quality
services, accurate results on time and expert advice by its highly
qualified staff.
Eurofins is committed to pursuing its dynamic growth strategy by
expanding both its technology portfolio and its geographic reach.
Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest
developments in the field of biotechnology and analytical chemistry
to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and the most
comprehensive range of testing methods.
As one of the most innovative and quality oriented international
players in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support
its clients' increasingly stringent quality and safety standards
and the expanding demands of regulatory authorities around the
world.
The shares of Eurofins Scientific are listed on the Euronext
Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg
ERF FP).
Important disclaimer:This press release contains
forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and
uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates
contained herein represent the judgement of Eurofins Scientific’
management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking
statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the
forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur.
Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update
any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All
statements and estimates are made based on the information
available to the Company’s management as of the date of
publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151119005588/en/
Eurofins ScientificInvestor RelationsPhone: +32 2 766
1620E-mail: ir@eurofins.comorBoston Heart DiagnosticsCherie
Lucier, +1 215 805 0131CLucier@BostonHeartDx.com
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