Revolutionary Genetic Test Guides Doctors To Quicker And More Effective Acne Treatment

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As teens and twenty-somethings returned to school this month, many obsessed about their appearance, especially those with moderate to severe acne. A new screening test might save the day.

“Advanced Dermatology and Ameriderm, the country's largest provider of dermatology care, is pleased to partner with DermaGenoma on this important scientific advance”

Released today by genetic dermatology research and development innovator DermaGenoma, Inc., the AcneDX Genetic Test for Antibiotic Response, (suggested price of $300 U.S.), helps guide doctors to assess the antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria, propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), involved in the pathogenesis of acne. Using the test, a doctor may be able to improve the acne in a quicker and safer manner.

The test will be available thru dermatologists nationwide. The first practice carrying it is Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, with 43 offices in Florida and Ohio.

"Advanced Dermatology and Ameriderm, the country's largest provider of dermatology care, is pleased to partner with DermaGenoma on this important scientific advance,” says Dr. Matt L. Leavitt, D.O., Founder and Medical Director of Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. “This test will help our acne patients achieve success more effectively and quicker in their battle against acne."

While dermatologists often prescribe antibiotic treatment for acne, moderate to severe acne requires several months of therapy prior to improvement. Unfortunately patients often observe little or no visual improvement due to the drug resistance of the acne bacteria, propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The AcneDX Genetic Test for Antibiotic Response may help find the right treatment. It is most appropriate for patients who plan to undergo systemic antibiotic therapy for their acne.

“Prolonged use of systemic antibiotics promotes bacterial resistance throughout a patient's bacterial flora. This decreases the effectiveness of these antibiotics for future infections,” says Dr. Alan Shalita, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate. “Selecting and using the most effective treatment for acne can improve the outcome and reduce the psychosocial impact on patients.”

“The AcneDX Genetic Test will enable dermatologists to minimize prolonged use of antibiotics that are not effective for an individual’s acne, but may be beneficial for future bacterial infections,” says DermaGenoma CEO Andy Goren.

The AcneDX Genetic Test for Antibiotic Response provides information on the presence of specific variations in the propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria genes.

A patient who tests positive for the P. acnes bacteria gene variants has up to approximately 80%* chance of antibiotic treatment failure.
A patient who tests negative for the P. acnes bacteria gene variants has up to approximately 75%* chance of antibiotic treatment success.

Individuals who test positive for the P. acnes bacteria gene variants should be advised that they are at a high risk for antibiotic treatment failure. These individuals may wish to consult with a dermatologist who can develop a more effective treatment plan for their acne.

* The predictive value of the AcneDX Test is dependent on the genetic variation and antibiotic agent used; therefore, individual results may be substantially less then 75%.

About DermaGenoma, Inc.

Headquartered in Irvine, CA, DermaGenoma, Inc. is a genetic dermatology company founded by leading researchers and specialists in genetics and dermatology. The company is dedicated to the research and development of new diagnostics and prescription-based therapies for skin conditions tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.

DermaGenoma genetic tests (www.DermaGenoma.com) are available through physician's offices nationwide, and are administered using a simple cheek swab.

Follow DermaGenoma on Twitter: @DermaGenomaInc and on Facebook.