deCODE genetics, Inc.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, January 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- - Novel SNPs Modulate ECG Measurements Including Heart Rate, Two are Also Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation and Will be Integrated Into deCODE AF(TM) Test Scientists at deCODE genetics today report the discovery of seven novel and common single-letter variations in the sequence of the human genome (SNPs) that are involved in modulating the electrical impulses that govern the working of the heart. Two of these SNPs, which correlate with electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measurements that are used in the clinical evaluation of heart health and activity, were then shown to confer increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common causes of irregular heartbeat and a leading cause of stroke. The paper, "Several common variants modulate heart rate, PR interval and QRS duration," is published online in Nature Genetics at and will appear in an upcoming print addition of the journal. The deCODE team began by correlating ECG measurements with genome-wide SNP data from more than 40,000 Icelandic participants in its gene discovery program. This search identified one novel SNP influencing heart rate and four each linked to PR interval and QRS duration, measurements of how quickly the electrical impulses that cause the heart muscles to pump achieve their purpose. Intriguingly, SNPs on chromosome 3 linked to both longer PR interval and QRS duration are in the gene encoding SCN10A, a sodium channel that has never before been linked to heart activity. Individuals with the same variants were also more likely to have been fitted with a pacemaker. A follow-on analysis of all of the novel SNPs in Icelandic and Norwegian heart patients and controls demonstrated the association of two of the SNPs linked to PR interval to risk of AF, and another SNP to increased risk of advanced atrioventricular block. Two other papers published today in the same journal provide further validation of some of the deCODE findings. "Over the past two years, we have discovered major genetic risk factors for heart disease and stroke and introduced tests for these risk factors into clinical practice. We are building the power of these tests through our ongoing discovery work, and today's findings demonstrate again the fruitfulness of using intermediate risk factors and clinical measurements as entry points for finding risk factors for disease. Our population resources enable us to do so efficiently and with exciting results. These latest findings will be incorporated into our deCODE AF test and deCODEme scans, and certain of these discoveries may also provide opportunities for outlicensing for therapeutic development," said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE. About deCODE deCODE is a global leader in analysing and understanding the human genome. deCODE has identified key variations in the sequence of the genome conferring increased risk of major public health challenges from cardiovascular disease to cancer, and employs its gene discovery engine to develop DNA-based tests to assess individual risk of common diseases; to license its tests and intellectual property to partners; and to provide comprehensive, leading- edge contract services to companies and research institutions around the globe. Through its CLIA- and CAP-certified laboratory deCODE offers DNA-based tests for gauging risk and empowering prevention of common diseases, including deCODE T2(TM) for type 2 diabetes; deCODE AF(TM) for atrial fibrillation and stroke; deCODE MI(TM) for heart attack; deCODE ProstateCancer(TM) for prostate cancer; deCODE Glaucoma(TM) for a major type of glaucoma; and deCODE BreastCancer, for the common forms of breast cancer. Through its pioneering personal genome analysis service deCODEme(TM), deCODE enables individuals to better understand their risk of dozens of common diseases and to learn about their ancestry and other traits. Visit us on the web at at at and on our blog at Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding deCODE's expectations concerning the bankruptcy process and the continuation of day-to-day operations. deCODE's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, (1) the impact of the announcement of its bankruptcy filing on deCODE's operations; (2) the ability of deCODE to maintain sufficient debtor-in-possession financing to fund its operations and the expenses of the Chapter 11 proceeding; (3) the ability of deCODE to obtain court approval of its motions in the Chapter 11 proceeding; (4) the outcome and timing of the proposed sale of deCODE's assets, including deCODE's ability to close a transaction with SagaInvestments, LLC or any other purchaser; (5) the uncertainty associated with motions by third parties in the bankruptcy proceeding; (6) deCODE's ability to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers and contracts that are critical to its operation; (7) risks associated with deCODE's suspension and delisting form the Nasdaq Stock Market and the trading of deCODE's common stock in the Pink Sheets; and (8) other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risk factors identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. deCODE undertakes no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. CONTACT: Contacts: deCODE genetics: Edward Farmer, +354-570-2819, edward.farmer@decode.is ; Gisli Arnason, +354-570-1900, info@decode.is ; Joy Bessenger, +1-212-481-3891, ir@decode.is .