Inova Partners with Veritas Genetics to Offer Whole Genome Sequencing and Interpretation

MyMap™ will provide genomic information to help guide health, diet and lifestyle decisions

News provided by

Sep 28, 2017, 09:00 ET

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Inova announced today it has partnered with Veritas Genetics to provide whole genome sequencing and interpretation services. MyMap includes myGenome by Veritas and MediMap® pharmacogenomic testing by Inova; it also integrates Inova's genetic counseling, research and clinical resources. MyMap will be available later this year.

Inova, a global leader in personalized health, has extensive experience with genetic testing, both diagnostic and predictive, and has used results to improve outcomes for patients. Inova's partnership with Veritas, the Boston-based genomics innovator, will accelerate Inova's ability to predict, prevent, and treat disease. Together, the two organizations are creating one of the world's first models for integrating whole genome data into clinical care. MyMap will include the following:

myGenome by Veritas - Employs next generation sequencing to screen a patient's whole genome for over 1,200 clinically relevant conditions, assesses carrier status for over 100 inherited conditions, identifies over 120 traits and provides genetic ancestral data by region.
Inova's MediMap® Plus - Analyzes 31 genes that influence response to 145 prescription medications across 14 medication categories.
Inova Genetic Counseling - Genetic counselors review test results in a one-on-one clinic setting, translating and interpreting the data into meaningful recommendations specific to the patient's DNA.
Inova's Network of Physicians - Patients will have access to Inova's network of specialists and subspecialists to develop a care plan to maintain optimal health.

"The information gleaned from a patient's MyMap report can create a lifetime of useful information that will help Inova patients, their family members, and their physicians make more informed decisions about disease prevention and treatment, lifestyle, and diet," said Todd Stottlemyer, CEO, Inova Center for Personalized Health. "Plus, as advances in research and medicine are made, they will receive valuable updates relevant to their genetic blueprint. It's a long-term investment in their quality of life."

Veritas is known for relentlessly pushing the boundaries of science and technology to make whole genome sequencing and interpretation more accessible to consumers and their physicians, notably in a manner that will enable collaborators like Inova to deliver valuable insights to their patients. With a team of more than 100 bioinformaticians, curators, developers and genetic counselors, Veritas is creating and scaling the first platform capable of interpreting millions of genomes to dramatically advance research and medical discovery.

"Together, Inova and Veritas are combining the strengths of our two highly experienced teams to integrate genomics into personalized medicine, effectively and responsibly," said Mirza Cifric, co-founder and CEO of Veritas. "This is the way whole genome sequencing and interpretation will become a routine and essential part of patient care."

About Inova
Inova is a global leader in personalized health, which leverages precision medicine to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. At Inova, we serve more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond. We are shaping the future of health through our integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes. Our commitment to health and wellness is further reflected in our sustainable practices. Inova is home to world-class researchers, expert medical specialists and renowned scientists, who are driving innovation to improve patient care, prevent disease and promote wellness. For more information, visit inova.org, or find Inova on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Veritas Genetics
Veritas is The Genome Company. We screen the majority of an individual's DNA through whole genome sequencing and interpretation to provide insights on inherited disease risks, carrier status, drug sensitivities, traits and ancestry. Our mission is to help people understand their genetics and make more informed health and lifestyle decisions with the involvement of their physician and access to skilled genetic counselors. Co-founded in 2014 by George Church and leading scientists from the Personal Genome Project at Harvard Medical School, Veritas operates globally from its offices in the U.S., Europe and China. The company has been recognized twice by MIT Technology Review as one of the 50 Smartest Companies in 2016 and 2017. For more information, follow @VeritasGenetics on Facebook and Twitter or visit veritasgenetics.com.