Researchers at Axial Biotech Develop a DNA Test for...( Study results presented at the Scoli...),Health

Study results presented at the Scoliosis Research Society Meeting in Salt

Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Axial Biotech, Inc., announced today that they have identified specific genetic markers for scoliosis. The data from this research made it possible for the development of a DNA-based prognostic test for spinal curve progression in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

This groundbreaking research was presented to members of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the 43rd Annual SRS Meeting held in Salt Lake City.

Scoliosis is an inherited disease that occurs when the spine twists and develops a sideways curve. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown, for patients between the age of 9 and 13, it is called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). If an AIS curve progresses, the most widely accepted treatments are serial spinal bracing or spinal fusion surgery.

The scoliosis research, which began in 2003 and ended last month, involved collecting DNA samples from over 9,000 patients from 85 clinical sites throughout the world. All patient samples were analyzed on several technology platforms and specific disease classifications were evaluated by the review of x-rays and medical records provided from physicians who were treating patients enrolled in this study.

"These landmark studies have provided researchers with greater insights into the genetic markers associated with spinal curve progression," stated Ken Ward, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer for Axial Biotech. "The AIS Prognostic Test, which can determine whether a child has a mild or more severe likelihood of curve progression, at the very first presentation of symptoms, may provide comfort to thousands of children and their families every year. This study reinforces the importance of research that may lead to new treatment options for scoliosis patients."

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