The team at Breakthrough Genomics is contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 virus by
looking further into the human genome and researching what genes and mutations may influence
your susceptibility and resistance to the most adverse effects of COVID-19. Using its proprietary
Machine Learning algorithm (ENLITERTM), the Breakthrough Genomics team were able to identify
at least nine genes and a number of corresponding variants that are the most influential genetic
factors in determining how an individual will respond to Coronaviruses and COVID-19. These
include genes which influence viral entry, replication, and destruction as well as genes involved
in upper respiratory tract infections and innate immune response.
Breakthrough Genomics plans to launch their findings in a research use only NGS Coronavirus
Genetic Susceptibility Assessment to its current WGS and WES customers starting next week
and are in discussion with other companies interested in using the panel in the US and
internationally. Company Founder and CEO, Laura Li, PhD, FACMGG states that “this is really
the first step in understanding genetic susceptibility to the COVID-19. We are now actively
seeking partners to provide clinical validation of this panel as well as to leverage our technology
to discover new genes and variants that may influence the response to the COV1D-19.
Understanding the genetics of an individual’s COVID-19 responses may enable us to prevent or
tailor treatment once infected.” Adds Dr. Li, “We are proud to be able to utilize our technology
for this effort as we know there are millions of people around the world and dozens of large
healthcare providers that are impacted and may benefit from these studies.”
Breakthrough Genomics (CLIA-certified, CAP Accredited) is a pioneer in interpreting Whole
Genome, Whole Exome, and Gene Panel Tests. Breakthrough Genomics’ AI/ML powered
software platform ENLITER™ is the only Clinical Interpretation Solution designed to mimic the
workflow of a U.S. Board-Certified Medical Geneticist. Collectively, the company’s founders have
over 60 years of experience directing genomics programs for leading institutions including
Illumina, UCLA, and Quest Diagnostics.
For further inquiries please contact [email protected]
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Coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID19, Breakthrough Genomics Launches a Coronavirus Genetic Susceptibility Assessment, Breakthrough Genomics, Coronavirus Genetic Susceptibility Assessment, Laura Li
The team at Breakthrough Genomics is contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 virus by looking further into the human genome and researching what genes and mutations may influence your susceptibility and resistance to the most adverse effects of COV
