A recent Center for Connected Medicine (CCM) webinar on The Rise of Genomics featured the founder of Fabric Genomics and other panelists discussing key areas of the growing field of genomics, including the role of primary care physicians, health systems and consumer genomics, increasing demands for data networks, and large-scale research initiatives. In addition to Fabric Genomics, webinar panelists included leaders from UPMC; Color, a genetic testing company; All of Us Pennsylvania, an arm of the National Institutes of Health-backed precision medicine research program; and Nokia.
Webinar panelist Martin Reese, PhD, founder, president and CEO of Fabric Genomics, explained that because we are now able to sequence an entire genome in less than one day, for less than $1,000, the new genomics technology bottleneck is data interpretation, not sequencing.
Dr. Reese shared case studies that exemplify the tremendous progress that has been made over the past 10 years in applying genomics in health care. For example, Fabric Genomics software helps hospitals such as Rady Children’s Hospital analyze and interpret genetic sequencing of NICU and PICU patients. Scientists at Rady recently set a world record for compressing the time needed to decode rare genetic disorders in newborns through DNA sequencing, with Fabric Genomics’ platform as a technology enabler.
Another webinar panelist, Jill Hagenkord, MD, chief medical officer of Color, discussed the role of consumer genetics and its relation to health care. One of Dr. Hagenkord’s takeaways was that health systems looking to engage more closely with consumers may want to consider offering genetic testing because the types of patients who are going to private companies for this service are willing to share information, participate in research, and many are activated to change their lifestyle. However, Dr. Hagenkord cautioned that reimbursement can be a challenge for health systems; insurers typically only cover genetic testing when certain stringent clinical criteria, such as family history, are met.
The webinar was moderated by Rasu Shrestha, MD, MBA, chief innovation officer of UPMC. If you missed the live broadcast, you can watch the recording on demand and hear from the full roster of panelists:
- Jill Hagenkord, MD, chief medical officer, Color
- Mylynda B. Massart, MD, PhD, co-investigator, All of Us Pennsylvania
- Martin Reese, PhD, founder, president and CEO, Fabric Genomics
- Houman Modarres, senior director of IP networks, Nokia
Follow the conversation online at #RiseofGenomics and be sure to watch for the webinar e-Book, which will soon be posted on the CCM blog. Follow @connectedmed on Twitter for updates.
