Research

The Research Department at Salugen investigates a wide range of scientific activity from genetic associations with diseases, nutritional intake and supplementation, and the synergies of nutrients with pharmacogenomic research. Salugen scientists bring over 30 years of research into the genetic and nutritional factors influencing many common healthcare concerns. These scientists currently focus their efforts on healthcare conditions that involve the brain and heredity.

Published Studies

Salugen scientists have played an important role in defining the market of nutrigenomics and pharmacogenomics. In addition, there are thousands of publications supporting the genes and nutrients involved in Salugen products.  Despite these publications, there is still a significant need for more research.  There are studies supporting the genes and studies supporting the ingredients but, as for the link between the genes and the nutrients, there are only a small number of randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies to support these correlations.  Salugen is committed to furthering this research.  The following are some publications supporting the patent-protected Preveras technology from Salugen:

  • In a double-blind placebo controlled study of the 1st generation Preveras product, it demonstrated statistically significant reductions in cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and drug usage.1
  • In an open, observational trial of 600 patients of a 2nd generation Preveras product, it demonstrated a 73% reduction in cravings.2
  • In an open, observational study in the Las Vegas criminal justice system, a 2nd generation Preveras product demonstrated efficacy in reducing substance abuse, with efficacy in alcoholics reaching 93%.3 
  • In a study of one gene in the Preveras test, researchers found a 74% positive predictive value, meaning that persons with this gene variation were 74% likely of having a reward deficiency disorder, such as alcohol abuse and dependence, drug abuse, and sugar cravings.4 
  • In a 90-day placebo-controlled trial of 27 subjects in a medically-supervised clinic taking Opti-Fast, subjects taking an earlier version of Preveras lost 2.7 times the weight (26.96 lbs v. 10 lbs.) and had a much lower relapse rate (18.2% v. 81.8%).5 
  • In a 2-year prospective placebo-controlled study of 247 outpatients in a medically-supervised weight loss clinic taking Opti-Fast, the intervention group showed a 2X decrease in percent overweight; a 70% decrease in food cravings; a 66% decrease in binge eating; and had a much lower relapse rate or regaining their weight lost (14.7% versus 41.7%).6

 

Future Clinical Studies

Salugen is committed to investing 20 percent of its sales into research and development to bring new technologies to market, and conduct clinical studies to demonstrate their safety and efficacy. Currently, Salugen has several clinical studies planned with additional investigations in the early stages of development.

Research Links and Resources

From the National Institutes of Health

Overviews

Related Issues

Newsletters/Print Publications

Genetics

Research

Dictionaries/Glossaries

Directories

Organizations

Law and Policy

Children

Women

From the National Institutes of Health

Brief Primer on Genetic Testing
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
Genetics FAQ
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
Understanding Gene Testing
(National Cancer Institute)

Overviews

Gene Testing
(Human Genome Project)

Related Issues

Genes and Populations
(National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
Genetic Testing: Weighing Its Benefits and Risks
(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Genetics Home Reference
(National Library of Medicine)
Nanotechnology: The Size of Things to Come
(Food and Drug Administration)
Universe of Genetic Testing
(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Uses of Genetic Testing
(University of Washington)

Newsletters/Print Publications

Genomics & Health Weekly Update
(Centers for Disease Control, Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention)

Genetics

Genetics Home Reference: Genetic Testing
(National Library of Medicine)

Research

Gene Hunting (Mental Illnesses)
(01/01/2001, National Institute of Mental Health)
Genetic Mapping
(01/01/2006, National Human Genome Research Institute)

Dictionaries/Glossaries

Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms
(National Human Genome Research Institute) - Requires media player
Also available in: Spanish

Directories

Cancer Genetics Services Directory
(National Cancer Institute)
Laboratory Directory-GeneReviews
(University of Washington)
US Clinic Directory Search
(University of Washington)

Organizations

Law and Policy

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications Program
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
Genetic Discrimination in Health Insurance
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
Genetic Information and the Workplace
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
Issues in Genetics and Health
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
Policy and Legislation Database
(National Human Genome Research Institute)

Children

Genetic Testing for Newborns at Increased Risk
(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
What Is a Pediatric Geneticist?
(American Academy of Pediatrics) - Links to PDF

Women

Pregnancy: Genetic Testing for Inherited Diseases
(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
 
1 Blum, K. Trachtenberg, M.C. Elliott, C.E. Dingler, M.L. Sexton, R.L. Samuels, A.I. and Cataldie, L. Enkephalinase inhibition and precursor amino acid loading improves inpatient treatment of alcohol and poly drug abusers: Double blind placebo controlled study of the nutritional adjunct SAAVE. Alcohol 5:481 493, 1988.
2 Blum K, Chen TJH, Downs BW, Meshkin B, Blum SH, Martinez Pons M, Mengucci JF, Waite RL, Arcuri V, Varshofsiky M, Braverman ER. Synaptamine (SG8839) An Amino-Acid Enkephalinase Inhibition Nutraceutical Improves Recovery of Alcoholics, A Subtype of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Trends in App Sci Res. 2 (2): 132-138, 2007
3 Chen TJ, Blum K, Waite RL, Meshkin B, Schoolfield J, Downs BW, Braverman EE, Arcuri V, Varshavskiy M, Blum SH, Mengucci J, Reuben C, Palomo T. Gene narcotic attenuation program attenuates substance use disorder, a clinical subtype of reward deficiency syndrome. Adv Ther. 2007 Mar-Apr;24(2):402-14.
4 Blum K, Sheridan PJ, Wood RC, Braverman ER, Chen TJ, Cull JG, Comings DE. The D2 dopamine receptor gene as a determinant of reward deficiency syndrome. J R Soc Med. 1996 Jul;89(7):396-400
5 Blum K, Trachtenberg MC, et al. Neuronutrient effects on weight loss in carbohydrate bingers: an open clinical trial.Curr Ther Res. 48:               217-233 1990       
6 Blum K, Cull JG, Chen TJH, Garcia-Swan S, Holder JM, Wood R, Braverman ER, Bucci LR, Trachtenberg MC. Clinical evidence for Phencal in maintaining weight loss in an open –label, controlled 2-year study. Curr Ther Res 58: 745-763.1997

*These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.