Boston Heart Diagnostics Introduces StatinSmart™ a personalized test to help identify likelihood of experiencing adverse side effects from statin use

Boston Heart Diagnostics ("Boston Heart"), a subsidiary of Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in bio-analytical testing, and one of the world leaders in genomic services, announces the launch ofStatinSmart™, 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 liver^1-4. 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, andStatinSmart™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 or contact:

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/htm
7.  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).

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