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Sciona Says DNA Holds Key to Individual Fitness;
Launches Mycellf™ DNA Fitness Program
January 18, 2008, Boulder, Co.— Sciona, Inc., a leader in the science of Consumer Genetics for lifestyle and nutritional guidance, today announced a fitness industry breakthrough with the introduction of the Mycellf™ DNA Fitness program. This revolutionary training tool analyzes an individual’s genes and creates a genetic profile complete with recommendations for a completely customized DNA Fitness Action Plan.
Sciona’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Rosalynn Gill said, “There are so many factors that influence our overall wellness. Heredity can influence fitness and response to exercise the same way your genes can affect your metabolism, diet, nutritional processing and lifestyle. The new Mycellf™ DNA Fitness program will revolutionize athletic training by allowing individual customization based on a person’s DNA using the latest gene technology available.”
How The Mycellf™ DNA Fitness program works: A sophisticated, confidential analysis of an individual’s DNA is conducted with the proprietary Sciona Genostic Rules Engine™ software. Subscribers collect a sample of their DNA at home, using a simple cheek swab. In addition, they complete a detailed fitness and lifestyle questionnaire. After analyzing this comprehensive information, a personalized DNA Fitness Action Plan is created electronically and stored in a secure personal database available online. The DNA Fitness Action Plan makes training and lifestyle recommendations based on how an individual’s body builds muscles, recovers from exercise, and utilizes nutrients. The DNA Fitness Action Plan assessment is based on screening for genetic variations in a specific set of genes that respond to physical activity, as well as nutritional factors that can impact health and well-being including: muscle efficiency, VO2 max, blood flow, exercise recovery, body composition and glucose utilization.
Peter Vitulli, CEO and President of Sciona adds, “There is a tremendous global interest in the science of Consumer Genetics. Consumers are embracing the concept of increasing athletic potential and optimizing their own well-being by personalizing diet and lifestyle based on their unique genetic profile. Basically, an individual’s genetic makeup is fixed at birth but a person may be able to alter diet or lifestyle to significantly enhance athletic performance and increase overall wellness.”
All information is kept strictly confidential and secured electronically using sophisticated encryption technology. DNA analysis is conducted in a CLIA registered laboratory adhering to strict HIPAA compliance guidelines. All DNA samples are destroyed after completion of testing and an individual’s personal genetic information is kept anonymous and never shared with any agency, clinician or instititution without an individual’s express written permission.
About Sciona, Inc.
Sciona is an international company founded in 2000 to provide personalized health and nutrition recommendations based on an individual’s diet, lifestyle and unique genetic profile. Sciona has created a powerful set of tools utilizing their proprietary Genostic Rules Engine™ which allows consumers to harness the scientific information uncovered in the landmark Human Genome Project. For more information, visit Sciona, Inc. at www.sciona.com, or the Mycellf DNA Fitness product website at www.mycellfdnafitness.com. Media contact Jan Strode 619-890-4040 or janstrode@aol.com.
Posted at 04:00 AM
Groundbreaking Study Proves Personalized Diet Based on Genetics Leads to Significant Advances in Long Term Weight Management and Blood Glucose Levels
October 22, 2007, Boulder, Co.—Sciona, Inc., a leader in the science of nutrigenetics, today announced the results of a pivotal study published by Nutrition Journal, which demonstrates substantial advances in long term weight management and blood glucose levels as a result of personalizing patients’ diets based on their genetic information (nutrigenetics). In the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of applying nutrigenetics to long term weight management, researchers found significant improvement in long term (more than 300 days) weight management for individuals whose nutrient requirements were tailored to individual variations in the genes known to affect nutrient metabolism and transport. Each subject’s genetic profile was developed by the use of Sciona’s Mycellf Kit.
The comprehensive 3 year study examined 93 individuals with a history of weight loss failures. In an effort to answer whether the application of genetic information could improve sustained weight management, one test group was genetically screened for (24) separate variants in (19) individual genes specifically know to be related to metabolism. A second control group did not receive the genetic screening. The groups were matched on characteristics such as age, gender, frequency of clinical visits and Body Mass Index (BMI), during their initial clinical visit. After monitoring patients between the fixed ranges of 100 – 300 days, the BMI and the fasting blood glucose levels were compared and contrasted within the test population.
Results conclusively showed that after 300 days, individuals in the genetic testing group were more likely to have maintained weight reduction and reduced glucose levels than those of the control group, which had not been genetically screened. In the final analysis, 73% of those in the nutrigenetic group maintained weight reduction compared to only 32% of those in the control group. Among patients with a fasting blood glucose of greater than 100 mg/dl, 57% of the nutrigenetic group, compared to only 25% of the control group had levels reduced to less that 100 mg/dl after more than 90 days of weight management therapy. These results reflected a return to normal blood glucose levels from pre-diabetic levels in the nutrigenetic group, based on a genetically tailored diet and exercise program.
Sciona’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Rosalynn Gill stated, “We are delighted with the results of this study given the global health problems associated with clinical obesity and diabetes.” Dr. Gill went on to note that according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the total cost of obesity, including those illnesses associated with obesity such as type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension in the year 2000 was approximately $117 billion dollars. Sciona’s CEO, Peter Vitulli, stated, “Sciona’s Mycellf genetic testing kit allows an individual to learn how to personalize their nutrition and lifestyle to match their genes, which gives them a revolutionary gene-based road map to better health and a longer life.” Study coordinator, Dr. Ioannis Arkadianos, stated, “The results of this clinical study featuring the application of nutrigenetics clearly demonstrates that using genetic information is critical in helping people optimize their health. As a clinician, it is gratifying to be able to apply the information regarding an individual’s inherited genetic code to help us to understand how each person’s body works. We finally have the tools that enable health care professionals such as myself to determine which nutrition and exercise protocols will get results and what nutrigenetic interventions will promote longevity. Just like fingerprints, no two individuals are the same and so we are now able to personalize your health based on your DNA.”
Summary: Tailoring a weight loss program to individuals’ unique genetic profiles, even in a group with a history of prior weight loss failures, resulted in significant improvements in better compliance, greater motivation, and improved effectiveness when measured by weight reduction, BMI, and glucose levels, in a long term study, over 300 days.
ABOUT THE STUDY
Patients with a history of unsuccessful attempts at weight loss attending a weight management clinic in Athens, Greece were offered a nutrigenetic test screening 24 variations in 19 genes involved in metabolism. The case histories of 50 "nutrigenetic" patients were compared to those of 43 patients in the non-tested group attending the same clinic. All patients followed a traditional weight management program involving a low glycemic index Mediterranean diet, recommended exercise routines and regular follow-up visits in the clinic. The dietary program of the patients in the nutrigenetic group was modified from the standard diet based on the genetic results of each patient. The patients participating in the study were blinded to the clinicians. After 300 days, the patients following the nutrigenetically tailored diet and exercise programs demonstrated better long-term BMI reduction and improvements in blood fasting glucose. Key contributors to the study included the Twin Research Unit, King’s College London, UK and the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, National Technical University of Athens, Greece.
ABOUT SCIONA, INC.: Sciona, an international company founded in 2000 to provide personalized health and nutrition recommendations based on an individual’s diet, lifestyle and unique genetic profile, has created a powerful set of tools utilizing their proprietary Rules Engine which allows consumers to harness the scientific information uncovered in the landmark Human Genome Project. For more information, visit Sciona, Inc. at www.sciona.com, or the Mycellf product website at www.mycellf.com. Media contact Jan Strode 619.890.4040 or janstrode@aol.com.
Category Sciona News Releases
Posted at 09:00 AM
GTG and Sciona Enter Into Nutrigenomics Intellectual Property Agreement
BOULDER, Colo., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Genetic Technologies Limited
(Nasdaq: GENE) (ASX: GTG) is pleased to report it has granted a license to its non-coding DNA patents to Sciona, based in Boulder, Colorado, USA.
The license runs for nine years and is the first step in a progressive co-operation between GTG and Sciona in relation to the emerging lifestyle and life-extension markets.
Sciona is a leading provider in the USA of personalized genetic tests which focus primarily on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and longevity. This is supported by a unique form of nonmedical, lifestyle counseling based on an individual's diet, exercise, lifestyle history and genetic profile.
Sciona Chief Executive Officer Peter Vitulli welcomed the granting of the non-coding license and commented, "Sciona is excited to be working with GTG; their intellectual property will allow us to expand our product offerings and our research endeavors, and having access to their world class laboratory facilities will further our expansion in the Pacific Rim area. GTG's non-coding DNA patents, together with our business model patent, will provide us with the ability to develop and explore exciting and new commercial opportunities in the field of Nutrigenomics."
GTG will be granted the right to market the Sciona range of products in the Asia-Pacific region, and to serve as a genotyping center for Sciona products at the GTG headquarters laboratory in Melbourne, Australia.
Genetic Technologies' Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mervyn Jacobson, said as the leading Asia-Pacific testing laboratory, GTG would be well placed to take advantage of the growing personalized genetic testing market.
"There is growing consumer interest within the Asia Pacific region for personalized genetic tests. Our regional testing services will allow consumers to get their results much faster than sending samples to the other side of the world."
The Sciona agreement follows a similar license granted by GTG in December 2006, to GENOSENSE, who also service the lifestyle and anti-aging markets, from a base in Vienna, Austria.
GTG and Sciona have also agreed to work together on joint licensing and enforcement of the GTG non-coding DNA patents as well as the Sciona Business Model patent, granted May 30, 2006 in the USA. Sciona's patent covers the use of computer-based algorhythms to analyze genetic variations in order to provide personalized lifestyle advice.
ABOUT GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES:
Genetic Technologies is a leading Australian life science company, specializing in the fields of genetics and genomics. The company's methods and processes through which non-coding DNA can be analyzed and applied have been patented in 24 countries and form the basis of worldwide licensing activities.
ABOUT SCIONA, INC.:
Sciona, based in Boulder, Colorado, sells patented, personalized, genetic tests and offers a unique non-medical, lifestyle counseling based on an individual's diet, exercise and lifestyle history and a confidential genetic screening. By supplying this information direct to consumers through a detailed report, Sciona is able to guarantee complete privacy and confidentiality to the customer and total individual control of genetic information. The Sciona
tests focus on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and
longevity and do not provide specific information about disease state or genetic
predisposition. The Company's products are offered through direct sales, the
internet and select retail outlets.
Category Sciona News Releases
Posted at 02:05 PM
David D. Belaga Named Senior Vice President - Worldwide Marketing and Sales of Sciona, Inc.
BOULDER, Colorado, September 19, 2006 - Sciona, Inc., the leading supplier of direct-to-consumer DNA testing for lifestyle and nutritional guidance, announced today that David D. Belaga has been named Senior Vice President – Worldwide Marketing and Sales.
Mr. Belaga has over 20 years experience within the Pharmaceutical and Food industries with both large corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Prior to joining the Sciona team, he was Senior Vice President of Marketing at Amerifit Nutrition, Inc., a $60 million consumer products health and wellness company that is a leading developer, marketer and distributor of a variety of branded non-prescription products, with a focus on women’s health.
Prior to leading the Amerifit marketing efforts, Mr. Belaga held executive positions with a variety of consumer products companies including American Home Products (now Wyeth), Block Drug (now GSK) and PepsiCo managing a range of businesses including Sensodyne Toothpaste, Gold Bond Medicated Powder, Tegrin Medicated Products and Polaner Jams and Jellies.
Sciona CEO Peter Vitulli commented, "We are honored to announce that David Belaga has joined the Sciona team – he brings an impressive track record of success to his key role as the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Sales. David’s in-depth background in the areas of brand building, marketing, and sales will be invaluable to the Sciona team, and he will play a critical role in the continued growth, expansion, and success of the company.”
Mr. Belaga received his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta. He also serves on the Advisory Board of HealthPlus International (a developer of health and wellness products utilizing its patented nanofluidization process).
About Sciona, Inc.
Sciona, based in Boulder, Colorado, sells patented, personalized, genetic tests and offers a unique non-medical, lifestyle counseling based on an individual's diet, exercise and lifestyle history and a confidential genetic screening. By supplying this information direct to consumers through a detailed report, Sciona is able to guarantee complete privacy and confidentiality to the customer and total individual control of genetic information. The Sciona tests focus on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and longevity and do not provide specific information about disease state or genetic predisposition. The Company's products are offered through direct sales, the internet and select retail outlets. For more information, visit
www.sciona.com.
Category Sciona News Releases
Posted at 02:05 PM
Peter Vitulli Selected as CEO of Sciona, Inc., Leading Supplier of Personal Genetic Testing
BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Peter Vitulli has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Sciona, Inc., the leading supplier of direct-to-consumer DNA testing for lifestyle and nutritional guidance.
Sciona, based in Boulder, Colorado, sells a proprietary, genetic test offering unique non-medical, life-style counseling based on an individual's personal history and a confidential genetic screening. By supplying this information direct to consumers through a detailed report, Sciona is able to guarantee complete confidentiality to the customer and total individual control of genetic information. Sciona's tests do not provide specific information about disease state or genetic predisposition, but focus on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and longevity. The Company's products are offered through direct sales, retail outlets and through the internet. (www.sciona.com)
"Peter brings both Fortune 500 corporate experience and entrepreneurial skill to Sciona at a critical time in its development," commented Chris Martin, Sciona Chairman. "His business leadership in the areas of nutritional products, medical foods and retailing will drive Sciona's continued expansion in the marketplace."
Peter Vitulli replaces Peter Feinstein, a Sciona Board Member and partner in BioVentures Investors LLC, who has served as interim CEO since January, 2006.
Prior to Sciona, Peter served as President and CEO of Amerifit Nutrition, a $60 million consumer products health and wellness company focused on women's health. In 2005, he led the sale of the company to Charterhouse Group International. He was also CEO and President of Everfresh Beverages, Inc., a $100 million U.S. and Canadian juice manufacturer, and previously served as President, Gatorade North America, where he was responsible for Gatorade and other Quaker Oats products.
Sciona provides personalized health and nutrition recommendations based on an individual's diet, lifestyle and unique genetic profile with total confidentiality. Sciona's tests do not provide specific information about disease state or genetic predisposition, but focus on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and longevity. The Company's products are offered through direct sales, retail outlets and through the internet. (www.sciona.com)
CONTACT: Jan Strode of Sciona, Inc., +1-619-890-4040
Category Sciona News Releases
Posted at 11:56 AM
Sciona to Conduct Free Seminar on 'Genes, Nutrition and You'
Sciona to Conduct Free Seminar on 'Genes, Nutrition and You' at Boulder Public Library Monday, November 21, 7-9pm
PR Newswire - Tuesday November 15, 2005
Discover the Relationship Between Your Genes, Diet and Lifestyle
BOULDER, Colo., Nov 15, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX
-- Sciona, Inc. today announced it will conduct a free seminar, "Genes, Nutrition and You," in the auditorium of the Boulder Public Library on November 21, 2005 from 7pm - 9pm. "Genes, Nutrition and You" will cover the emerging science of nutritional genetics, or "nutrigenetics". Nutrigenetics refers to the interaction between genes, diet and lifestyle. The seminar will be presented by Yael Joffe, Dietitian. Ms. Joffe, Sciona's Director of Nutrition, is a state registered dietician with a particular interest in Nutrigenomics and is co-authoring an upcoming book entitled, "It's Not Just Your Genes." She is currently completing her Masters degree in Nutrigenomics at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and is involved in the development of a Nutrigenomics curriculum for postgraduate study. The workshop is co-sponsored by Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy and Cellf(TM) Genetic Assessments.
"This seminar will help you to discover the relationship between your genes, diet and lifestyle, and what you can do to avoid risk and promote optimal health," added Christopher Turf, R.Ph., Director of Compounding and Medical Outreach for Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy.
Mr. Turf will follow Ms. Joffe's presentation with a discussion of the practical ways to implement some of the recommendations you might receive in a Cellf Action Plan(TM). Mr. Turf is a pharmacist with extensive training in prescription compounding and his background also includes courses in herbal medicine and homeopathy.
Cellf Genetic Assessments are the first genetic assessments to be sold directly to consumers through retail pharmacies. The tests were introduced through Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy's ten stores in September. For the first time, individuals can now collect a sample of their DNA using a simple cheek swab and complete a diet and lifestyle questionnaire at home. After doing so, they can receive a personalized and confidential nutrition and health assessment based on their genetic profile that they can review with their pharmacist, lead practitioner or other qualified healthcare professional in the pharmacy. The five individual kits include:
Antioxidant/Detoxification Assessment; Bone Health Assessment; Heart Health Assessment; Inflammation Assessment; and Insulin Resistance Assessment.
About Sciona
Sciona is a privately held, international company that provides personalized health and nutrition recommendations based on an individual's diet, lifestyle and unique genetic profile. The Company has created a powerful set of tools that enable consumers to harness the scientific information uncovered in the Human Genome Project. Sciona is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with offices in Europe, and research facilities on the Yale University campus.
About Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy
Pharmaca, founded in June 2000 as the first integrative pharmacy in the U.S.
and headquartered in Boulder, CO, operates pharmacies that offer conventional and natural health solutions. The Company operates ten pharmacies in Colorado, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.
Event details:
Genes, Nutrition and You
Presented by: Yael Joffe, Dietician and Christopher Turf, R.Ph
Date: Monday, November 21, 2005
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Boulder Public Library Auditorium
Pharmaca Colorado Store Locations:
1647 Pearl St. 2700 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80302 Boulder, CO 80304
303-442-5164 303-442-0589
SOURCE Sciona, Inc.
Jan Strode, +1-619-890-4040, for Sciona; or Anne Dirks, +1-303-442-2304 x 109, for Pharmaca http://www.prnewswire.com Copyright (C) 2005 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
Category Sciona News Releases
Posted at 10:30 AM
Dr. David Castle Named to Form Ethics Advisory Board at Sciona, Inc.
BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Sciona, Inc., developer of the first genetic assessment sold directly to consumers through retail pharmacies,announced today that David Castle, Ph.D. will chair its Ethics Advisory Board.Castle is a globally-recognized bioethicist and is a principal investigator on three large-scale Genome Canada funded Genomics, Ethics, Law and Society (GE3LS) research programs. "The emergence of new scientific fields like nutrigenomics always raises ethical and social issues, many of which can be anticipated and proactively addressed for everyone's benefit," says Castle. "I am delighted to have accepted this invitation from Sciona. The creation of an Ethics Advisory Board demonstrates Sciona's commitment to providing high-quality products and services in a socially responsible manner."
Sciona has pioneered the development of products and services which combine human genomics and nutritional sciences for people interested in optimizing their health. "We're very pleased to have Castle's counsel on our innovative work in nutrigenetics," adds Jim Bruce, Sciona CEO. "His expertise will provide critical insight into the ethical considerations associated with our continued product development in this ground-breaking arena."
Castle earned his undergraduate BS in Biology and BA (Hon) at the
University of Alberta, an MA in Philosophy at McMaster University and his Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Guelph. He is now an associate professor at Guelph, a member of the Joint Centre for Bioethics at the University of Toronto and a member of McGill University's Centre for Intellectual Property Policy.
Cellf(TM) Genetic Assessments provide consumers with personalized health and nutritional recommendations based on an individual's diet, lifestyle and unique genetic profile. For the first time, individuals can collect a sample of their DNA using a simple cheek swab and complete a diet and lifestyle questionnaire at home. After doing so, they can receive a personalized and confidential nutrition and health assessment based on their genetic profile that they can review with their pharmacist or other qualified healthcare practitioner in the pharmacy. The five individual kits include:
Antioxidant/Detoxification Assessment; Bone Health Assessment; Heart Health Assessment; Inflammation Assessment; and Insulin Resistance Assessment. Nutrigenetics refers to the interaction between genes, diet and lifestyle. Individuals often inherit genes which put them at higher risk of negative health conditions. Since an individual's genetic makeup is fixed at birth, a person may be able to alter diet or lifestyle to significantly reduce the risk of developing certain common health conditions including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. This is the core concept behind nutrigenetics.
Nutrigenetic testing identifies genetic variations which indicate an individual's risk for developing specific health conditions and enables an individual to alter his/her diet and lifestyle to achieve his/her optimal health potential. Sciona's genetic tests analyze an individual's DNA, diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation using a proprietary software program to generate a confidential and highly personalized report filled with valuable information and an Action Plan that may help an individual to manage his/her potential risk of negative health -- all based on the individual's own DNA.
About Sciona
Sciona is a privately held, international company that provides personalized health and nutrition recommendations based on an individual's diet, lifestyle and unique genetic profile. The Company has created a powerful set of tools that enable consumers to harness the scientific information uncovered in the Human Genome Project. Sciona is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with offices in Europe, and research facilities on the Yale University campus.
CONTACT: Jan Strode of Sciona, Inc., +1-619-890-4040
Category Sciona News Releases
Posted at 10:48 AM
Phone: 619.890.4040 Sciona Logos
Launches Mycellf™ DNA Fitness Program.
Groundbreaking Study Proves Personalized Diet Based on Genetics Leads to Significant Advances in Long Term Weight Management and Blood Glucose Levels.
GTG and Sciona Enter Into Nutrigenomics Intellectual Property Agreement
David D. Belaga Named Senior Vice President - Worldwide Marketing and Sales of Sciona, Inc.
Peter Vitulli Selected as CEO of Sciona, Inc., Leading Supplier of Personal Genetic Testing
Sciona to Conduct Free Seminar on 'Genes, Nutrition and You'
Dr. David Castle Named to Form Ethics Advisory Board at Sciona, Inc.




