The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville is establishing a new program for people interested in learning about various hereditary disease risks.

The program is called Insight Genome, and it will provide interested patients information about various risks for specific medical conditions. Patients will receive a clinical report which can be used for personal or physician use along with a pharmacogenomic report, which shows you how you will respond to certain medications based on your genetics.HudsonAlpha associate company Kailos Genetics will provide that report.

Those who enter this $7,000 program can also participate in a research study program, which could lead to more personalized information based on your genome.

Howard Jacob, Ph.D., announces Insight Genome at HudsonAlpha Monday afternoon.

People participating in Insight Genome will have their whole genome sequenced by having blood and saliva samples taken. This will allow researchers to determine genetic codes, which is used to learn more about disease risks. The tests are conducted at the not-for-profit institute's Smith Family For Genomic Medicine, and doctors will look at more than 2,000 genes. Using the information gathered from the sequencing, the doctors will be able to determine disease risks for various conditions including Alzheimer's, various cancers and ALS.

Whole genome sequencing offers information not found in one comprehensive tool elsewhere, says HudsonAlpha executive vice president for genomic medicine Howard Jacob, Ph.D., Many people have heard us talk about rare, undiagnosed disease and how do we apply this technology, but the holy grail is how do we deploy this for everybody?

The entire testing process takes approximately three months. Insurance does not cover the $7,000 expense, and you must be 19 or older to qualify for this program.

You can call the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine to schedule an appointment at 256-327-9640. You will need a physician referral.

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HudsonAlpha establishes service to determine genetic risks - WAAY