“Speaking of Amway, what are YOUR thoughts on…?”

Buried at the end of the last post — on the GQ magazine story related to Personalized Health — was a jewel of a link to a quick, four-minute streaming video from the Interleukin Genetics site. It’s simply titled, The Science Behind Interleukin Genetics. 

If you’ve ever pondered over how to explain to a retail customer (or a potential business associate) what the Gensona DNA tests are about and the life-long value of the information they provide, now you don’t (have to ponder). Just refer your retail customer or potential business associate to this link for a quick, easy-to-understand presentation.

The Science Behind Interleukin Genetics

****************

Still with me? Attention span longer than you  thought? (hehe) 

Beyond that, you should still know something about the Nutrilite brand and why it gives us such a unique position in the marketplace. If you don’t know how to talk about Nutrilite’s history and the just-in-time fresh fresh freshness of the organic functional-whole-food-based products you represent, here are a few more “movies” to which you can go (and take your retail customer along).

Washington State organic farm

Mexico organic farm

Brazil organic farm

Optimal Health: The Heart of the Original Brand

Lifestyle

Personalization

Nutrigenomics

Nutrilite clinical validation studies

Nutrilite research associations

SPEAKING OF AMWAY, don’t foget to watch this space for a timely and provocative three-part series coming very soon from the pen keyboard of Chuck Lia.

Blessings for a great day…

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: Alticor, Amway, Amway Global, DNA tests, Gensona, GQ magazine, Interleukin Genetics, nutrigenomics, Nutrilite, optimal health, Personalized Health

NOTE TO READERS: text below in bold and blue is hotlinked to additional background info.  

This new article in GQ Magazine, The Book of Me, is of keen interest in that it demonstrates how personal genomics and Personalized Health are now growing in mass market interest in general media outlets, and not just science-oriented journalism and publications.Someone in the Alticor organization had the exceptional foresight back around 2002 or 2003 to recommend an ‘angel investment’ in Interleukin Genetics, which had made some key discoveries — pre-Human Genome Project completion — which are turning out to be core to understanding how our personal genetics influences the ageing process and chronic health conditions related thereto. Interleukin was able to apply for a number of patents based on their unique discoveries and thus claim some significant IP real estate in the “land rush” around human genome research which is shaping the future of health and health care. Alticor has thus far shown good patience with their investment in Interleukin and has provided its Distributors with an unparalleled product and business development opportunity with the Gensona DNA tests, and Nutrilite’s IL-1 Heart Health supplement — the world’s first clinically validated (published in peer-reviewed and respected scientific journals) nutrigenomic supplement – with more in the Nutrilite and Interleukin research pipelines. The article in GQ is an easy read and well-written, almost in a mystery novel genre by a top-selling novelist, so your time spent reading will be enjoyable for those who don’t think they “like” science related stuff, and a joy for those of us who see the future now and can’t wait.A key quote from the article — key for me, at least: 

He [George Church, Harvard University] defends the coming revolution, comparing it to the birth of personal computing in the late 1970s. That earlier revolution was all about mass empowerment, going, he says, “from a few people in the priesthood that guarded the mainframes, to everybody.” But few people saw the potential of that revolution early on: “Just like with personal computing, until there are some compelling stories involving real products [my emphasis] the only people who are going to get what’s happening are the ones who can imagine things that aren’t yet there.”                                        

 SPEAKING OF AMWAY GLOBAL, where do you rank Personalized Health and Nutrilite Health in your list of business development priorities? Is it “hot” or is it “not” for you, and why? Second, what is Amway Global doing well to assist you in understanding and marketing the Gensona DNA tests and the Nutrilite IL-1 Heart Health, and what in your view might they do better?  Before you answer that last question, watch this video clip. 

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: Alticor, Amway, Amway Global, DNA tests, genomics, Gensona, George Church, GQ, GQ magazine, Harvard, Human Genome Project, IL-1 Heart Health, Interleukin Genetics, Nutrigenomic supplements, nutrigenomics, Nutrilite, personal genomics, Personalized Health, The Book of Me, XS Gold Energy

For those of us focusing on the Personalized Health opportunity, the following excerpt from a press release this morning definitely adds a spring to our step (see quoted section below).

 With Personalized Health — which includes Interleukin Genetics’s patent protected IP and DNA tests, which we market under the Gensona brand, and the IL-1 Heart Health supplement patented by Nutrilite — we truly have an opportunity to reshape the health care debate in North America, even more so than the politicians campaigning for election at this moment in both the US and Canada.

As of next year, 2009, that same Personalized Health opportunity will be available to our colleagues in Asia as well, when Gensona DNA tests are rolled out for markets there.

Paper Reports Value of Specific Nutritional Products is Dependent on Individual’s Genetic Make-up WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 12

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Researchers at
Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (Amex: ILI), today received the 12th John M. Kinney Award for Nutrition and Metabolism at the annual Congress of the European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, in Florence, Italy. The award was given for the paper, “Interleukin-1 genotype-selective inhibition of inflammatory mediators by a botanical: a nutrigenetics proof of concept,” which was published in Nutrition: The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences (2007;23:844-852).

Kenneth Kornman, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Interleukin Genetics, and the first author on the publication, commented, “We are honored to receive the 12th

John M. Kinney Award for Nutrition and Metabolism. Many botanical and nutritional supplements claim to provide countless health benefits without being subjected to rigorous clinical study. Our paper reports a well- controlled clinical study has shown the value of specific nutritional products is dependent on an individual’s genetic make-up.” The study, a joint research effort by scientists at Interleukin Genetics and Nutrilite, a division of Alticor Inc., is one of the few controlled clinical trials that has shown the value of specific nutritional products is dependent on an individual’s genetic make-up. The data showed that a proprietary botanical supplement (Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement) could lower inflammation in individuals who tested positive for pro-inflammatory IL-1 gene variations from Interleukin Genetics’ Heart Health Genetic Test. These individuals also had elevated levels of C-reactive protein.

About Interleukin Genetics’ Heart Health Genetic Test

Interleukin Genetics’ Heart Health Genetic Test was developed to identify healthy individuals who are genetically predisposed to over-produce inflammation and are at an increased risk for an early first heart attack.

The Heart Health Genetic Test is marketed on a non-exclusive basis [edit: it became non-exclusive for us only as of last week] through Access Business Group International LLC, a division of Alticor Inc. Interleukin Genetics recently announced an agreement with Access Business Group International that will permit the expansion of Interleukin Genetics’ distribution network for such genetic tests.

About Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement

Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement, a proprietary botanical supplement, was developed to reduce inflammation in those individuals who are genetic over-producers. The Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement is currently marketed by Quixtar, Inc., a division of Alticor Inc.

About Interleukin Genetics

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (Amex: ILI), is a genetics-focused personalized health company that develops preventive consumer products and genetic tests for sale to the emerging personalized health market. Focused on the future of health and medicine, Interleukin Genetics uses its leading genetics research and scientific capabilities to develop and test innovative preventive and therapeutic products. Interleukin Genetics currently offers an array of Nutraceuticals and OTCeuticals(R), which are sold at the nation’s largest food, drug and mass retailers, and has commercialized genetic tests for periodontal disease risk assessment, cardiovascular risk assessment, and general nutrition assessment.

Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA. For more information about Interleukin Genetics, its products and ongoing programs, please visit
www.ilgenetics.com.

Note, of course, that as of last week, Amway Global business owners no longer have the exclusive distribution rights to the Interleukin DNA test IP. Why? Two basic reasons:

(1) Because of Quixtar’ screwed up launch and lack of support for  the Personalized Health product portfolio and health solution two-plus years ago and ongoing. They admitted as much when management acknowledged last year that Personalized Health was the victim of a “launch and abandon” product support mentality that prevailed before Steve Liebeman came on board and took control.

(2) In the old (and growth-destroying) business model — still ‘de facto’ business practice for most – based on the “Systems”-developed and promoted ”buy from yourself and teach others to do the same,” a major product/solution portfolio like Personalized Health was doomed to fail on that count as well. This could just as well be characterized as a “lack of leadership” by organizations which claim to be devoted to teaching leadership principles.

The defining advantage Independent Business Owners still have with Personalized Health is the core “value-add proposition” which we bring to the table — the ability to educate the consumer in a field which requires consumer education to be successful. Under the new retail sales focused paradigm being driven, thankfully, by Steve Lieberman and his new team, Personalized Health finally has an opportunity to flourish, and be the breakout health solution which will take Amway Global in North America way beyond the goals set by Doug DeVos and Steve Van Andel.

 I’m driving down to Portland later today to the Spotlight showcase, and hopefully Personalized Health and Amway Wellness will be getting the “showcase profile” they deserve. With Interleukin Genetics now winning these kinds of international awards for their ground-breaking research, we expect to see Personalized Health being promoted and celebrated front and center.

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: Alticor, Amway Global, Asia, C-reactive protein, DNA tests, Doug DeVos, genetics, Gensona, IL-1 Heart Health Supplement, Independent Business Owners, inflammation, Interleukin Genetics, John M. Kinney Award, Ken Kornman, nutraceuticals, nutrigenomics, Nutrilite, Nutrition, OTCeuticals, Personalized Health, Quixtar, Steve Lieberman, Steve Van Andel

 One more quick post before Chuck puts up the thought provoker he’s been working on!!!

Note that blue text contains a fascinating URL link which you should click on for background info; red text is for emphasis/highlight only.

I’ve recently come across a series of insightful articles about the growth potential for Online Health, and recommend you too check out Sramana Mitra’s excellent blog, Sramana Mitra On Strategy, specifically the 5 article series Web 3.0 and Online Health.

One of the reasons Sramana’s analysis is so important relates to our Online Personalized Health Questionnaire.  This to me is the KEY VALUE ADD piece to the whole Personalized Health value proposition… and critical to supporting sales of the Interleukin Genetics Gensona DNA tests and Nutrilite’s consumable supplements such as Double X and the IL-1 Heart Health Nutrigenomic supplement, and so on.

The online Personalized Health Questionnaire is confidential, it’s free, and via the recommendations made based on the Gensona tests and the lifestyle and health question modules, provides the critical link between the DNA tests, and the appropriate Nutrilite products and lifestyle and diet and behaviour modification recommendations.

The other critical differentiator for Personalized Health in the online health channel/business space, which we have and no one else does, is our direct sales business model with its emphasis on education of the consumer and each business person building a base of retail customers.

And that is why Alticor’s Transformation process is precisely what is needed in order for the company and us to surge over the next couple of years.

But the Personalized Health Questionnaire and our direct sales business model ARE the key differentiators for success against all potential competitors, including ‘23andme‘, Navigenics, DeCodeMe, and a host of other startups and wanna-be’s.

By the way, if you enjoy Sramana’s writing style as much as I do, here’s another wonderful series she has written on the “modernization” of Indian architechure — As India Builds. Her whole series on India will be of interest to any readers from India or desi backgrounds, or any who are as fascinated with that country of contrasts as I am.

Enjoy!

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: 23andme, Alticor, behaviour modification, DeCodeMe, diet, direct sales, DNA tests, Double X, IL-1 Heart Health Nutrigenomic, India, Interleukin Genetics, Navigenics, Nutrilite, Online Health, Personalized Health Questionnaire, Sramana Mitra, transformation, value proposition, Web 3.0

Note that blue text contains a fascinating URL link which you should click on for background info; red text is for emphasis/highlight only.

This interview on Personal Genetics with Harvard’s George Church (with previous posting reference here), Dr. Dean Ornish, chair of Google Health’s advisory committee, and Dr. David Agus, a leading oncologist and expert in genomic medicine was done on the same day as Charlie Rose’s already posted chat with Dr. Francis Collins.

The level of discussion does not require you to have expertise, and it will help bring everyone a bit more up-to-speed in the fast-emerging field of prevention and personal genetics.

Note that much of what is discussed — especially the discussions around prevention — are very relevant to our business space — Personalized Health – including Gensona DNA tests from Interleukin Genetics, nutrigenomic supplements from Nutrilite, and Amway Wellness.

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: Amway Wellness, David Agus, Dean Ornish, DNA tests, Francis Collins, Gensona, George Church, Google Health, Interleukin Genetics, Nutrigenomic supplements, Nutrilite, Personal Genetics, Personalized Health

Those who have been around this business for more than a couple years will be delighted to hear that Dr. Chet is returning to work with Amway Global/Quixtar and The Center for Optimal Health, effective August 10th.

 Dr. Chet has spent the last several years with The Better Life Institute, more recently known as Better Life Unlimited, in Grand Rapids. Dr. Chet was a very popular educator and highly motivational speaker and trainer for all things health and nutritional. He has also had a running series of bulletins and newsletters available by free subscription from the Better Life Unlimited website which provided excellent support to people starting weight loss/managment programs.

His favorite weight management maxim is “EAT LESS, MOVE MORE.”

Examples of some of Dr. Chet’s excellent bulletins — always based on solid science and peer-reviewed research journals – are as follows:

Fountain of Youth
One Hit Wonder: Acai
The Placebo Effect
Phytonutrients: The Basics

All IBOs building Amway Wellness businesses — including Nutrilite products — and interested in “Optimal Health” and “Personalized Health” will be delighted to welcome Dr. Chet back.

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: Acai, Amway, Amway Wellness, Better Life Unlimited, Center for Optimal Health, Dr. Chet, Nutrilite, optimal health, Personalized Health, Phytonutrients, Placebo Effect, Quixtar

For those developing an Amway Wellness-focused business – with Gensona and Nutrilite products, and Time Defiance (Artistry Skincare) – this easy-to-understand interview with Dr. Francis Collins on the Charlie Rose Show earlier today will delight you. The interview mentions “Personalized Medicine” at various points but much of the discussion is pertinent to Personalized Health as well.

OUR FOCUS in the Personalized Health business space is on our genetic predisposition for certain health risks — usually chronic and often related to the aging process – based on our personal genomes. Using exclusive, simple-to-use DNA tests and a confidential, online Personalized Health Questionnaire, we  recommend behaviour changes (including exercise, diet, among others) and supplements, including exclusive nutrigenomic supplements to support a healthy  lifestyle and “extend your years of wellness.”

In a nutshell, that’s our business and value proposition.

For more information on this point, read Section B-1 of the current Business Reference Guide (pdf downloadable for free from our site), and Personalized Health Program Guidelines, available on the Quixtar/Amway site. (Eventually, there should be similar guidelines posted under Best Practices at the IBOAI site and blog.)

Dr. Collins was the head of the Human Genome Project — completed in 2003 – and his lab discovered the genes responsible for Cystic Fibrosis and Huntingdon’s Disease in the 1980’s.

Collins recently resigned his position at the National Institutes of Health to pursue his interests in driving Personalized Medicine research and related writing projects. August 1, 2008 was his last day at NIH.

INTERESTINGLY, Collins recently published a fascinating book on the DNA code called, “The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief.”

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: Amway, Amway Wellness, Artistry, Business Reference Guide, Charlie Rose Show, Cystic Fibrosis, DNA, Francis Collins, genetic predisposition, Gensona, Huntingdon's Disease, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Nutrilite, Personalized Health, Personalized Health Program Guidelines, Personalized Health Questionnaire, personalized medicine, Quixtar, The Language of God