Good Start Genetics Announces New Tier of Offerings Making Genetic Testing More Accessible for Couples Planning a Family

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Good Start Genetics launched VeriYou™, its saliva-based screening test for two of the most common inherited genetic disorders: cystic fibrosis (CF) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). With one in every 19 people carrying a CF or SMA mutation that could be passed onto their offspring, the nation's leading medical organization for women's health, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recommends that all women of reproductive age be offered genetic testing for CF, while the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommends screening for both CF and SMA. Despite these recommendations, many couples planning to start a family remain untested due to lack of awareness or inability to access high quality, affordable testing. Good Start Genetics is poised to change this with pricing and programs to democratize genetic testing.

"At Good Start Genetics, we believe that genetic testing should play a more significant role in preventive care and be accessible to all who need it, not just those with the highest incomes or the broadest insurance coverage," said, Jeffrey R. Luber, President and CEO of Good Start Genetics. "As an important step in this mission, we intend to vastly improve access to physician-supported genetic testing for more couples planning to start a family by introducing affordable, quality testing for CF and SMA. This two-disorder test will serve as a complement to the multi-disorder testing we will continue to offer through our fertility clinic relationships nationwide."

Today's announcement extends the company's testing portfolio into two tiers: the first, serving the company's deep clinical relationships among fertility centers offering broad testing for CF, SMA, fragile X syndrome, sickle cell disease, familial dysautonomia, Canavan disease, Tay-Sachs disease and other disorders, as well as novel variant detection and full genetic counseling services; and the second tier providing CF and SMA testing for patients through other physician-mediated channels to broaden access for millions.

"Our proprietary and patented methods give us the ability to rapidly deliver highly accurate results regardless of genetic target or disorder, and whether someone comes to us through a clinic or as a patient online looking for reliable and affordable genetic testing," commented Greg Porreca, Chief Technology Officer at Good Start Genetics. "Whether in reproductive health, oncology, pediatrics, or elsewhere, we intend to leverage our platform and significant cost advantages broadly in order to bring affordable genetic testing to families wherever clinical need presents."

For the VeriYou CF and SMA test, once a prospective parent registers/activates their kit and submits the necessary family history and consent information, a licensed physician will review and order the test if appropriate. Results are delivered securely and interactively online with educational information including the ability to address follow-up questions with physicians directly and to connect with genetic counselors.

Individuals can start the process at www.VeriYou.com.

About Good Start Genetics:
Good Start Genetics is an information solutions company delivering best-in-class genetics offerings to growing families. Using advanced clinical sequencing, proprietary methods and information tailored to the individual, the Company's suite of offerings arms clinicians and patients with insightful and actionable information to promote successful pregnancies and help build healthy families. The newly launched VeriYou  broadens the Company's product portfolio to deliver carrier screening to families of all economic backgrounds.  Its flagship genetic carrier screening service, GeneVu, is a comprehensive menu of highly-accurate tests for known and novel mutations that cause inherited genetic disorders, and its proprietary and advanced preimplantation genetic screening test, EmbryVu, based on technologies exclusively licensed from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, is helping a wider range of couples find their paths to pregnancy at significantly lower costs. Good Start Genetics complements these offerings with world class customer care and genetic counseling to help families stay well-informed and best prepare for tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.goodstartgenetics.com or join us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Good Start Genetics, Inc.

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