Oct 28

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: , , , , , , , , , ,

Oct 24

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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sep 12

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 Nutrilitewe 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aug 05

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: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aug 04

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: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aug 02

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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jul 29

Just in case there are any genuinely committed business builders reading this blog who are building an Amway Wellness (ie. Nutrilite, Gensona, etc.), or an Amway Beauty business (which could include relevant Gensona tests at some point) this brief post will draw your attention to an interesting blog on personal genomicsgenomeboy — and an excellent new article in Wired magazine on Harvard University’s George Church and developments in genomics, sequencing and synthetic biology.

A number of personalized genomics companies are mentioned in the article — some of whom are potential competitors, but not in our direct sales channel (yet) and some who are strictly in the personalized medicine space, not the personalized health space where we (Alticor/Amway/Quixtar) are positioned. Some of these include: 23andme, funded in part by Google; Navigenics, funded in part by Kleiner Perkins; DNA Direct, Sciona, Knome, and a few others.

 By the way, in case the inclusion of references to personal genomics and synthetic biology seems far fetched, they will in short order have a major impact on our area of business interest — Personalized Health and Wellness.

Finally, if the links above to Amway Wellness and Amway Beauty seem broken, it’s because at the time of this writing AmwayWellness is registered to Weber Shandwick, a consultancy which I’m surmising has been contracted by Alticor. And the AmwayBeauty domain is registered to Alticor through MarkMonitor.

This post is an addendum to my posts on Personalized Health on this site from June 23 and July 22, and Chuck Lia’s excellent posts from March 24 and May 1, this year.

Speaking of Chuck, he has just gotten back home to Atlanta from a few days in Southern California with his family.  Watch for a thought-provoking post from him later this week on … can’t tell you but it will be good!!!

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jul 22

Tantalizing hints about new Transformation changes have been leaking out from Alticor sources to bloggers over at Amway Talk (http://www.amwaytalk.com/) — see post on “Transformation: Major Changes Coming in September.” In addition, some have noted the registration by Alticor or its consultants of the domains Amway Wellness.com and Amway Beauty.com.

Now this morning (July 22) comes the press release below: 

WALTHAM, Mass., July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (Amex: ILI), today announced the launch of an enhanced test report format and information package for the company’s Heart Health Genetic Test. The test is currently marketed under the brand name Gensona(R) Heart Health Genetic Test by Quixtar/Amway. The new report will include quantified risk information on heart attack and coronary artery disease generated from clinical studies and conducted by the company. The company believes that this enhanced report format will provide individuals and their physicians more complete information about a person’s inflammation-based genetic risk factor for a heart attack. The new package also provides information on the science behind the genetic test and information to help people understand preventive measures and actions that can be taken to lower the risk of heart disease.

In addition, the company will conduct scientific lectures on the Gensona(R) test for interested Quixtar/Amway individual business owners at their scheduled conferences. The first of these lectures will be on Saturday morning and afternoon, July 26, 2008 at the Nardone/Melillo/Callendar conference at the Radisson Valley Forge Hotel & Convention Center in Valley Forge, PA. Thousands of attendees are expected at the conference.

Lewis H. Bender, Chief Executive Officer at Interleukin Genetics, commented, “Heart disease is by far the leading killer of Americans. Individuals with different interleukin gene variations have vastly different clinical trajectories for heart disease progression. The ability to know your individual genetic predisposition for this disease is a new and powerful tool to allow a customer and their physicians to design the best preventive care for that person.”

About Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an inflammatory disease in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. Variation in interleukin genes has shown to be associated with different degrees of CAD risk. Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart attack and arrhythmias. CAD is the most common type of heart disease and is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and/or medical procedures can effectively prevent or treat CAD in most people. Certain cholesterols have also been associated with increased CAD risk. According to the American Heart Association, over 105 million American adults have total blood cholesterol values of 200 mg/dL and higher, and 36.6 million American adults have levels of 240 or above. Doctors consider total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or greater high in adults and levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL borderline-high.

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 uses its leading genetics research and scientific capabilities to develop and test innovative preventive and therapeutic products. For more information about Interleukin, its products and ongoing programs, please visit http://www.ilgenetics.com.

SPEAKING OF AMWAY, how do you  plan to incorporate Gensona and Personalized Health into your Amway Wellness business? Will you be leading with a product opportunity to build a strong, profitable client base from which you will find others who want to build their own part-time businesses? Or will you be leading with a business opportunity and trying to redirect those who are not interested toward products and to become clients?

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jun 23

According to Interleukin Genetics CEO Lew Bender on ILI’s most recent (Q1) conference call ( http://www.ilgenetics.com/ ) and an outside analyst’s report by Dutton & Associates ( http://www.centredaily.com/business/technology/story/668990.html ), we can expect a relaunch of the Gensona and Personalized Health line by Alticor sometime in Q3 (sometime in the period of July 1 to Sept. 30).

 Interestingly, the domain name AmwayWellness.com was registered by an Alticor-contracted consultant (to the best of my knowledge) as of this past Feb. 29, 2008.

And the new weight loss support market research site from Alticor, sponsored by Nutrilitehttp://community.mybestsize.com/ comes with pointers to a number of interesting features, including ‘personalized health’-related gurus, and suggests a ramp-up to something exciting coming later this year.

So for those interested in building their product knowledge and expertise in nutrigenomics and optimal health, and developing a health-focused Amway-driven business, here are a few relevent resources to check out.

MP3Nutrigenomics, Inflammation and Obesity: A New Paradigm for Personalized Prevention” by Ruth DeBusk, RD, PhD and Colleen Fogarty Draper, MS, RD. MP3 download is $17, CD is $20 plus tax, shipping. Easy to understand for the novice. Ruth DeBusk is on the Nutrilite Science Advisory Board, and Colleen Fogarty Draper, after 6 years with Interleukin Genetics, has recently formed her own consulting/educational company in the area of nutrigenomics. At the link below, see #256 and Product Number 200730131 http://www.intelliquestmedia.com/store/search.php?a=E&c=200730

Courtesy of Colleen Fogarty Draper’s website, the following three downloadable articles provide excellent background reading.

PDFNutritional Genomics in Practice: Where Do We Begin?” http://www.nugenso.com/articles/DeBusk_2005.pdf

PDFEmerging Concepts in Nutrigenomics: A Preview of What Is to Comehttp://www.nugenso.com/articles/Kauwell_2005.pdf

PDFThe Genome Health Clinic and Genome Health Nutrigenomic Concepts” (this article by an Australian researcher is more technical, but will be of interest to IBOs with a health sciences background) http://www.nugenso.com/articles/Fenech_2005.pdf

BOOKSecrets of Supplements: the Good, the Bad, the Totally Terrific” by Gloria Askew, RN and Jerre Paquette, PhD. ISBN: 978-0-9784290-0-3. Gloria is a long-time IBO and has co-authored a very readable, easy to understand book with the beginner in mind. Nowhere does she actually mention the name ‘Nutrilite’ so you can use this book to develop new customers for your Nutrilite product line. The most valuable part of the book is the list of “Ten Totally Terrific Questions” which will guide your prospective client to see that only Nutrilite meets all the key requirements. This book is worth its weight in gold to the Health Business Builder, and for what it’s worth, is being distributed by at least one System (Network 21) in North America and internationally as a key product education resource. 

Free sample chapter and Table of Contents, and online ordering at: http://www.phytemedia.com/  In Canada, Secrets of Suppements can be picked up in store or online at Chapters.

And now for the naughty question… or perhaps more accurately, a knotty question:

In your Quixtar/Amway business, what are you really selling? Are you first and foremost selling a business opportunity, or are you driving a product-based business which has the option of also being duplicated, for those interested in doing so? It’s an important question, and may differentiate between those who are “products of a System” and those who may be operating as non-affiliated “independent” IBOs (if you’ll pardon the redundancy in that).

If the question is unclear, say so and I’ll try to rephrase.

My guess is that if your business is primarily selling a business opportunity, the above resources recommendations were of relatively low relevance to you. If you are focusing on a product-driven business with a strong focus on developing long term clients – and still including networking and duplication — you will make the effort to download and read the documents above, and invest in the Ruth DeBusk MP3 and Gloria Askew’s excellent book on supplements.

SPEAKING OF AMWAY, these are just my thoughts — am I right or wrong?

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 12
For those interested in staying current on happenings at IL Genetics and Gensona…  THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 14:
Interleukin Genetics Announces Conference Call and Webcast to Discuss First Quarter 2008 Business Results

WALTHAM, MA – May 7, 2008 – Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (AMEX: ILI), announced today that it will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ET [1:30 p.m. Pacific Time Zone] to review the Company’s first quarter 2008 financial results and provide an update on recent corporate developments.
 
To access the live call, dial 877-627-6555 (domestic) or 719-325-4869 (international). The live webcast will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website, www.ilgenetics.com.

Replay access of the teleconference will be available for one week following the call by dialing 888-203-1112 (domestic) or 719-457-0820 (international). The passcode for the replay is 4243283. The webcast will be archived following the call at www.ilgenetics.com

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.

written by rdknyvr \\ tags: , , , , ,