Earlier this year I looked at a new startup that was tapping into the growing possibilities for personalized medicine that has come from our increasing capabilities with genome sequencing.

The startup, called Genetic Compass, attempts to offer people a customized news feed that is specifically tailored for their genetic makeup.

The app, which has been developed by a team of geneticists, allows users to first upload their genome information, before the app then scours the web for the latest research and articles that are relevant to that DNA.

Cost-effective mapping

Suffice to say, such services are only really of value if we can afford to have our genome sequenced in the first place.  A new startup, called myGenome, claim to be able to provide full sequencing, via a smartphone app, for less than $1,000.

The company, which was co-founded by Harvard University geneticist George Church, claims to be able to sequence all of the 3.2 gigabase human genome sequence.

It utilizes Illumina’s HiSeq X system to sequence to a depth of around 30x coverage, meaning that it will be very good at diagnosing a lot of single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

It’s currently limited to 5,000 customers for 2016, with the eventual aim to provide those customers with a number of tools to manage their genetic information, including:

• A secure digital report and app to easily refer to and interact with results.
• Access to their genome for additional interpretation as health needs evolve and science advances.
• On-demand additional genetic counseling via video conferencing.
• Lifestyle-relevant genetic information that can be shared with non-clinical service providers such as fitness coaches and nutritionists.
• Access to physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and others for clinical opinions and clinical follow-up care through Veritas Genetics’ partnership with WorldCare International and WorldCare Consortium®.
• Integration of other “omics” data sets on a single platform.

“Now that the whole genome is this accessible, it will replace all genetic tests … because it is all genetic tests, and much, much more,” points out Dr. Church.

“The whole genome is the new standard. At this price point, there is no reason to use anything but the whole genome, especially for any tests that are close to or more than the price of our whole genome,” adds Mirza Cifric, CEO and co-founder. “The whole genome is the foundation of precision medicine and a lifetime resource to maximize quality of life and longevity.”

It’s currently only available in the US, but it’s hoped that it will be offered to other countries throughout the coming year.  Definitely a project to keep an eye on.