deCODE You

Pancreatic cancer has been added to the deCODEme Complete Scan. Pancreatic cancer is a particularly difficult form of cancer. It is virtually asymptomatic in its earliest stages. The cancer typically spreads rapidly and aggressively into surrounding tissue and organs, it is resistant to standard chemotherapy and has a strong tendency to recur. These characteristics make pancreatic cancer one of the most challenging cancers to treat unless caught early enough, and provide a grim prognosis for many diagnosed with the disease.

Currently there is no screening test available for this cancer, but genetic variants have been identified that are associated with increased risk of developing non-endocrine pancreatic cancer, the most common type of pancreatic cancer.  The deCODEme Complete Scan recently added non-endocrine pancreatic cancer to its genetic risk assessment profile.

deCODE genetics ehf today emerged as a newly financed, private company focused on advancing the science of human genetics and its application to products and services that improve human health. The new company will be building on the scientific leadership in genetics it developed over more than a decade as a subsidiary of deCODE genetics, Inc. deCODE ehf was this week purchased from its former parent company by Saga Investments LLC, a consortium that includes Polaris Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners, two leading life science investors. deCODE will continue all of its operations and product lines in this field, including its deCODE diagnostics disease risk tests; deCODEme™ personal genome scans; and contract service offerings including genotyping, sequencing and data analysis. Going forward, deCODE  will concentrate on translating its science into medically and commercially important products and services.  The company will be led by a two-man executive committee comprised of Earl “Duke” Collier, previously an executive vice president at Genzyme Corp.,who will serve as CEO, and Kari Stefansson, who will serve as executive chairman and president of research.

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We have just made some updates to the deCODEme ancestry service. Now you have more power and flexibility when you compare your genome with that of friends or individuals from different populations around the world.

Your genome can be viewed as a mosaic or tapestry made up of fragments of chromosomes from your ancestors. Fragments of chromosomes inherited from very recent ancestors, say grandparents, are expected to be large – typically tens of millions of nucleotides in size. As ancestors become more ancient, then the size of the chromosome fragments inherited from them become smaller – down to a few thousand or hundred nucleotides for ancestors born thousands of years ago.

Our new and improved genome comparison tool enables to you compare your genome with another individual in order to determine which chromosome fragments you share and to see how much of your genome is shared. The fascinating thing about this analysis is that each shared fragment represents a common ancestor. The number of shared fragments and their size reflects the number of common ancestors and how far back in time they are found. In other words, you can see how closely you are related.

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Scientists at deCODE genetics today report the discovery of seven novel and common single-letter variations in the sequence of the human genome (SNPs) that are involved in modulating the electrical impulses that govern the working of the heart. Two of these SNPs, which correlate with electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measurements that are used in the clinical evaluation of heart health and activity, were then shown to confer increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common causes of irregular heartbeat and a leading cause of stroke. The paper, “Several common variants modulate heart rate, PR interval and QRS duration,” is published online in Nature Genetics and will appear in an upcoming print addition of the journal.

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Season’s Greetings And Best Wishes For The New Year from deCODE.

We at deCODEme just wanted to let you know that we have added a Forum where you can discuss genetics, ancestry and health. Our experts are looking forward to your questions and comments so we hope you take advantage of this new feature.

We are constantly working on making deCODEme more valuable and informative and we appreciate your continued interest.

We hope you have a pleasant and festive holiday.

The deCODEme Team

Hypertension genetic risk now a part of the deCODEme Complete Scan

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, has been added to the deCODEme Complete Scan. Hypertension is defined as blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or above on three consecutive measurements at least six hours apart. Blood pressure this high is a risk factor for many diseases. Over time, the increased workload on the heart weakens it and contributes to atherosclerosis (the thickening of the arteries due to fat and cholesterol depositions), thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in the United States. High blood pressure can also lead to other conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness. High blood pressure is especially dangerous because it often has no obvious warning signs or symptoms and can therefore remain undiagnosed and untreated long enough to cause damage. High blood pressure is common, but too often goes undetected. An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have hypertension, and this number is expected to increase to 1.56 billion people by the year 2025. This translates to about 1 in 4 adults being afflicted with hypertension worldwide. Currently, about 1 in 3 Americans are thought to have hypertension, and a third of them probably do not know it.

deCODE scientists have discovered a single SNP that confers increased risk if inherited from the father, but is protective if inherited from the mother

Scientists at deCODE genetics, Inc. publish in the journal Nature the discovery of a version of a common single-letter variant in the sequence of the human genome (SNP) with a major impact on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes (T2D). The impact of the T2D variant is not only large, but unusual: if an individual inherits it from their father, the variant increases risk of T2D by more than 30% compared to those who inherit the non T2D-linked version; if inherited maternally, the variant  lowers risk by more than 10% compared to the non T2D-linked version. Nearly one quarter of those studied have the highest risk combination of the versions of this SNP, putting them at a roughly 50% greater lifetime risk of T2D than the quarter with the protective combination. This is the second largest effect of any genetic variant for T2D apart from SNPs in TCF7L2, discovered by deCODE in 2006.

“We could make this discovery beacause we are in the unique position of being able to distinguish what is inherited from the mother from what is inherited from the father. This we can do because of the large amount of data we have assembled on the Icelandic population. Read the rest of this entry »

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a complex disease and often difficult to diagnose – knowing your genetic risk may help your doctor rule out or confirm Lupus.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus has been added to the deCODEme Complete Scan. Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by intermittent flares of inflammation in various tissues of the body. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Normally, people produce antibodies that attach themselves to infectious agents when they enter the body and mark them for destruction by the immune system. People who have Lupus produce abnormal antibodies that target tissues within their own body. Lupus can therefore cause inflammation and tissue damage in various organs such as the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and even the nervous system. If you already have a deCODEme Complete Scan you can now log in to see your genetic risk for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. If you want to purchase a genetic test visit the deCODEme store.

As a follower of deCodeYou, we wanted to let you know about some important developments in the company and how we believe these will underpin our ability to continue to keep you in the forefront of understanding what the latest advances in genetics mean for you and your health.

For the past several months, deCODE has been working on restructuring its operations. As a result of these efforts, deCODE has entered into and filed concurrently with its Chapter 11 petition announced today an asset purchase agreement under which it would sell its Iceland-based human genetics operation to new owners. This is the subsidiary that conducts our human genetics research, manages our population genetics resources and provides our personal genome scans and DNA-based risk assessment tests. This agreement is subject to a number of contingencies, including a competitive bidding procedure and court approval in accordance with bankruptcy law. It also provides interim financing to enable us to continue operations during the Chapter 11 process, and we have asked the court for the customary authority to continue to provide products and services to our customers without interruption during the bankruptcy process.

Thus you should expect to continue to hear from here on all the latest in human genetics and its relevance to health and healthcare. You can read our press release here.

With best regards,

The deCODEyou team

Dr. Kari Stefansson receives Jahre Award - Photo by Francesco Saggio, University of Oslo

In a ceremony held this evening in Oslo, deCODE founder and CEO Kari Stefansson received the Anders Jahre Award for Medical Research. One of the most prestigious medical prizes in the Nordic countries, it was awarded in recognition of Dr. Stefansson’s leading contribution to increasing understanding of the genetic factors involved in common, complex diseases. The selection committee noted that this work has been driven by deCODE’s population approach, and by the participation of a large proportion of the Icelandic population in the company’s gene discovery programs.

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Knowing your risk for Chronic Kidney Disease through a deCODEme DNA scan can increase your awareness and empower you to take preventive steps to protect your kidneys.

Chronic Kidney Disease has been added to the deCODEme Complete Scan. Chronic Kidney Disease involves the gradual loss of kidney function over time that can ultimately lead to kidney failure. It typically develops as a result of other common diseases, primarily diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, but not everyone has the same risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease. Research suggests that this disease has a strong familial component.

In the U.S., an estimated 26 million adults have Chronic Kidney Disease, but most of them do not know it. The kidneys have such a remarkable ability to compensate for problems in their function, that there may be no symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease until it has progressed considerably.

Recently, scientists identified a common genetic variant (rs4293393-T), associated with increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease. deCODEme has incorporated these results into the complete genetic scan, which analyzes your DNA and provides you with a personalized risk assessment for Chronic Kidney Disease and about many other diseases, including diabetes, obesity and kidney stones.

Chronic Kidney Disease is a growing problem in the U.S. and in other western parts of the world, Knowing your risk for Chronic Kidney Disease can increase your awareness and empower you to take preventive steps to protect your kidneys.

deCODEme Complete Scan now includes Testicular Cancer

At deCODEme, we believe that when it comes to planning your preventive health efforts, your genetic profile is the place to start. This month we have added two new diseases, both of which are highly curable if caught early.

If you are a deCODEme customer who has bought our Complete Scan, your account now includes a personalized genetic risk assessment for:

Testicular Cancer of males, and Ovarian Cancer of females.

Our scientists have also added more genetic details to the risk assessment for Prostate Cancer, which now includes a total of 25 genetic risk variants for customers of the Complete Scan.

deCODEme DNA test now includes Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women. Based on ovarian cancer statistics in the U.S., it is expected that 1.4% of women born today will be diagnosed with cancer of the ovary at some point during their lifetime. This represents the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer and means that 1 out of every 71 women will be diagnosed with this disease during their lifetime. deCODEme Complete Scan now includes risk calculation for Ovarian Cancer.

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deCODEme Prostate Cancer

Last night we announced our discovery of four more SNPs linked to increased risk of prostate cancer. At the same time, academic collagues in the US and UK have also found more SNPs. (See article in TIMES ONLINE) All of the well-validated new risk variants will be incorporated into your deCODEme profile in the days ahead.

In the same study we published yesterday, we also conducted an analysis of all well-validated genetic risk factors discovered to date to establish what percentage of men would be at a significantly higher risk than average using these markers. Based upon our ability to swiftly conduct a population-based analysis in Iceland, this analysis demonstrates that about 4% of men are at more than double average risk based upon these risk factors, while just over 1% are at more than 2.5-times average risk.
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deCODEme provides personalized access to some of the first genetic variants recently linked to the most common type of brain cancer - Glioma

There are various types of brain cancer. Brain cancer can be primary, when it starts from cells in the brain, or secondary, when the cancer starts in another part of the body (for example in the lung or breast) and spreads to the brain through the bloodstream (that is through metastasis). Brain tumors can also be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (with cancer cells that multiply uncontrollably).

A glioma is a malignant primary brain cancer that originates from so-called glial cells found within the brain. There are several different types of gliomas determined by the type of glial cell that gives rise to the tumor. Although gliomas are rare, they are the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor in adults. They account for up to 80% of all brain cancer cases, with around 21,000 individuals diagnosed every year in the USA.

You may have heard about glioma in the news recently as this was the type of malignant brain cancer that recently claimed Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s life at age 77. The causes of gliomas are largely unknown. However, scientists have long suspected that genes play a role, making some individuals more likely than others to develop brain cancer. Now some of these genes have been found. A study published in Nature Genetics in July, 2009, reports on the identification of the first common genetic variants known to contribute to an increased risk of developing this type of brain cancer. The deCODEme team has reviewed these findings and added them to the deCODEme Genetic Scan . On the basis of this newly published knowledge, we can now provide customers of European descent with a personalized interpretation of their genetic risk for developing a glioma-type brain cancer.

deCODE Discovers Second Common Genetic Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke. Will be integrated into deCODE AF™ DNA-based risk assessment test, and into the deCODEme™ and deCODEme Cardio™ scans.

Scientists at deCODE genetics and colleagues from Europe and the United States today report the discovery of a common single-letter variant in the sequence of the human genome (SNP) conferring increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. The findings will be integrated directly into the deCODE AF™ reference laboratory test for gauging individual risk of AF and stroke and helping to identify stroke patients who may benefit from enhanced monitoring for AF. The study is published online today in Nature Genetics.
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It’s Not Just the Sun: deCODE Discovers Sequence Variants Affecting Susceptibility to Skin Cancer.

Scientists at deCODE genetics and academic colleagues from Europe and the United States today present in the journal Nature Genetics the discovery of common genetic risk factors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that affect people with fair and dark complexions alike. deCODE had previously discovered five common single-letter variants in the sequence of the human genome (SNPs) linked to risk of BCC, the most common cancer in people of European descent. However, most of these earlier findings were also correlated with fair skin, well known to accompany vulnerability to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. By contrast, three of the SNPs presented today do not correlate with light pigmentation…
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deCODE Genotyping Laboratory Receives College of American Pathologists Accreditation

Underscores quality of deCODE’s laboratory and tests, fulfilling key federal and state certification requirements and broadening marketing channels

deCODE genetics CLIA-registered DNA isolation and genotyping laboratory, which processes the company’s deCODEme™ personal genome scans and risk assessment diagnostic tests for several common diseases, has been accredited by the American College of Pathologists (CAP) following a recent inspection. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program deeming authority, and its accreditations can also be used to meet many state certification requirements.

“We believe that testing for genetic risk factors for common diseases is going to play a central role in refocusing our healthcare system on prevention and early intervention. deCODE has led the way in discovering validated genetic risk factors for diseases with a major impact on public health, and in bringing to market products that put this knowledge in the hands of individuals and their doctors. Quality – in our world-leading science and in-house genotyping and data analysis – sets us apart from our competition in the field of personal genomics. CAP certification serves to emphasize this advantage and will enable us to provide our products to an ever wider public,” said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE.
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deCODE genetics and Celera Corporation have announced the signing of agreements under which deCODE has granted Celera non-exclusive worldwide licenses to deCODE’s genetic markers for increased risk of major cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). These markers can be incorporated into laboratory tests for assessing and managing individual risk of these diseases.

“This is an excellent opportunity to broaden the clinical application and commercialization of our discoveries of high-impact genetic risk factors for major diseases. The markers included in these agreements are among the most widely replicated genetic risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and they provide a natural complement to the biomarker services already offered by Berkeley HeartLab, Celera’s subsidiary.  In Celera we have a partner with a global reputation in human genetics and a large and effective outreach and sales force. We are pleased to have the chance to work with them to build upon our discovery and testing platforms and to accelerate the adoption of personalized medicine,” said Kari Stefansson CEO of deCODE.

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Californians can now enjoy the benefits of deCODE’s market-leading DNA-based disease risk assessment tests and pioneering deCODEme™ genome scans

deCODE genetics today announced that it has received a clinical laboratory license from the State of California. The quality and scale of deCODE’s in-house, CLIA-registered genotyping laboratory underpins deCODE’s global leadership in the discovery of variations in the sequence of the human genome conferring risk of common diseases. The same staff and facility also process deCODE’s DNA-based reference laboratory tests for gauging individual risk of major public health challenges ranging from heart attack to breast cancer, as well as the company’s pioneering deCODEme™ scans, the world’s first personal genome analysis and focused disease area scans. With this license, California residents can now benefit from the unrivaled quality of deCODE products for understanding risk and, working with their physicians, empowering the prevention of common diseases.
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Martha Stewart at the deCODE laboratories

On Thursday, February 5^th, just ahead of Friday’s annual focus on women’s heart health awareness, deCODE CEO Kari Stefansson is scheduled to appear live on The Martha Stewart Show, the nationally syndicated lifestyle series hosted by Martha Stewart. The discussion will focus on how understanding the inherited risk factors measured by the deCODEme™ full genome scan and the new Cardio and Cancer Scans may empower people to better protect their health. Those unable to watch Thursday’s show live can find a replay of the segment on www.marthastewart.com or on www.decodeme.com.

“As the people who discovered the highest impact genetic risk factors for heart attack and stroke, this is our way of encouraging people to gain a better understanding of their cardiovascular risk. Because these diseases occur at the interface between genes and the environment, this is empowering information that may help people to take action to effectively reduce the likelihood of developing these diseases. We are also pleased to have the opportunity to talk about our scans with Martha Stewart in this month devoted to increasing the awareness of heart disease. Heart disease remains the leading killer of women as well as men, but there is a lot we can all do, working on our own and with our doctors, to reduce our risk and to stay healthier longer,” said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE.

You can watch deCODEme genetic tests on The Martha Stewart Show by clicking on this link.

deCODE Complete Scan, Cardio Scan and Cancer Scan.

Through deCODEme™, the world’s first retail genome analysis service, deCODE genetics today announced the launch of the first focused genetic scans for assessing personal risk of several major cardiovascular diseases and common cancers. deCODEme Cardio™, which detects genetic risk factors for Heart Attack, Atrial Fibrillation, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), and several other conditions, is offered at an introductory price of $195. deCODEme Cancer measures genetic risk factors for Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Skin Cancer and Colorectal Cancers, as well as the common form of Breast Cancer, at an introductory price of $225. Both can be ordered as a bundle for $350.

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Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Marie of Denmark along with deCODE scientist Unnur Thorsteinsdottir during an official visit to deCODE laboratories earlier this year.

Reykjavik, ICELAND, December 8, 2008 – deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN) today announced the discovery by an international consortium of scientists from deCODE and major European and US academic institutions of a single letter variation in the human genome (SNP) that is associated with increased fasting glucose levels and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). deCODE will employ its CLIA-registered genotyping laboratory and existing testing platform to swiftly integrate the finding into its deCODEme™ personal genome scan, and to assess the addition of this new variant to the company’s deCODE T2™ reference laboratory test for assessing individual risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Time magazine's Best Inventions of 2008: The Retail DNA Test

deCODE staffers were buzzing about Time magazine’s announcement this week of its best invention of 2008: the retail DNA test. As the creators of deCODEme, the first personal genome scan on the market, deCODE staff members were not about to quibble about the date (deCODEme was actually launched on November 16, 2007).

Indeed, the value of deCODE’s capabilities and service is perhaps best demonstrated by the launch of web portals offering similar services based largely upon deCODE’s discoveries, and Time’s article underscored the potential of this new field by devoting considerable attention to the high-powered tech luminaries who have come chasing deCODEme’s tail.

But what sets deCODE apart from the pack is not that it was the first personal genome analysis service to hit the market, but that it grew out of the biggest and to date most successful effort to discover the genetic factors that increase individual risk of public health challenges like from heart attack and breast cancer. More than a dozen years of large-scale research in human genetics, with the experience of having analyzed the genomes of hundreds of thousands of people, really does count.

The competition clearly feels the weight of deCODE’s advantage, which Time highlighted last year when it named CEO Kari Stefansson to the Time 100 list for the company’s pioneering work in genetics. As Time quotes the founder of a deCODEme competitor: “We could make great discoveries if we just had more information.” Perhaps, but fortunately with deCODEme the public doesn’t have to wait for the dot-commers to bone up on their genetics.

Congratulations again to the deCODEme team!

Breast Cancer Network of Strength was started by Mimi Kaplan and Ann Marcou.

Attitudes towards breast cancer have changed quite a lot over the past three decades, a fact evidenced by the outpouring of response when stars such as Olivia Newton-John, Kylie Minogue, and, most recently, Christina Applegate, went public with their personal struggles with the disease. But this change in attitude is also reflected in many other ways and not least in the adoption of a new name for the patient advocacy and support organization that until now called itself Y-ME? Tomorrow, a gala event held at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago will celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the evolution of Y-ME, 30 years on, into the Breast Cancer Network of Strength-a change they hope that will better communicate the organization’s mission to promote a proactive, engaged and positive approach to fighting breast cancer.

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deCODEme genetic test includes an identification of the male pattern baldness trait.

A team of scientists, led by Professor Tim Spector of King’s College, London, have been taking a closer look at the genetic coordinates for male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men and one that increases steadily with age. While it has been known for some time that men inherit a tendency for baldness via their x chromosomes from their maternal grandfather, this new research has identified a region on chromosome 20 (20p11) that suggests that a susceptibility for baldness is also inherited directly from one’s father. Read the rest of this entry »

deCODE Breast Cancer enables women to understand whether they may benefit from more intensive screening, monitoring or preventive drug therapy.

Reykjavik, ICELAND, October 8, 2008 – deCODE genetics today announced the launch of deCODE BreastCancer™, a new tool for assessing risk of the common forms of breast cancer. For the first time, a woman concerned about breast cancer can speak with her physician about a genetic test to better understand her lifetime risk of developing the common forms of the disease.

The common forms of breast cancer result from the interplay of genetic as well as environmental and lifestyle factors and represent 95 percent of all breast cancers. These are distinct from the rare and essentially purely inherited forms of the disease due to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which cause between 1 and 3 percent of breast cancers. deCODE BreastCancer™ is a DNA-based reference laboratory test performed using a simple blood sample or cheek swab, ordered by physicians on behalf of their patients.
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Icelandic handball team celebrates silver at the Olympics

Icelandic handball has never enjoyed such a high profile in the US press, and deservedly so. Having just won the silver in the men’s Olympic final, Iceland is one of the smallest nations to win any kind of Olympic medal. American and European journalists and bloggers, seemingly never tired with playing up Iceland’s Viking image, appear to have hit the nail on the head this time. Perhaps it is their Viking genes! Read the rest of this entry »

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On Sunday, August 17, deCODE published a new statistical method for increasing the information that can be derived from high-density genotyping, leveraging the genotypic data the company has already generated
on tens of thousands of participants in its gene discovery programs. In the above video, CEO Kari Stefansson, the company’s head statistician Augustine Kong, and Chief of Communications Edward Farmer talk about how this method works and why it may help deCODE to find rarer variants conferring risk of common diseases.

Link: Read abstract in Nature Genetics