Northrop Grumman's Amy Caro Says Genomic Data Will Significantly Advance Healthcare but Security is Key

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking at the U.S. News & World Report Hospital of Tomorrow forum Tuesday, Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Amy Caro, vice president of health IT programs, said advances in genomics and more widespread use of molecular data will enhance healthcare and improve health outcomes but ensuring the security of personal data is key to its accelerated use.

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Genomics is the field of study based on identifying and analyzing a person's complete set of DNA and it is beginning to help the medical community predict, diagnose and treat various conditions, although complete genome-sequencing is not yet widely used.

Caro said genomics and proteomics, which is the study of proteins, their structures and functions, will "usher in a new era of personalized medicine, resulting in more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments that work more effectively." She also said it could lower costs through increasing preventative care, eliminating unnecessary treatment and reducing negative outcomes such as adverse drug reactions.

As an IT systems integrator, Northrop Grumman will be serving as a "value-added facilitator" between the producers and users of this information. The company's role, Caro said, extends beyond IT integration to "incorporate increasing levels of scientific expertise to analyze and visualize data, manage data and ensure the secure exchange of information."

Northrop Grumman is currently developing a number of genomic and proteomic projects in partnership with universities and other companies, utilizing its IT expertise to enable genetic information to be integrated, analyzed and visualized for clinical purposes across healthcare systems.

"Northrop Grumman's focus on the role of information systems will accelerate the translation of genomic findings to clinical care, with the ultimate goal of helping this nation increase healthcare efficiency, reduce healthcare costs and improve health outcomes for its citizens," Caro said.

U.S. News & World Report sponsored the forum Nov. 4–6 in Washington, D.C., to examine the most pressing challenges facing the hospital industry and surface answers from the nation's most distinguished health care experts and thought leaders.

Northrop Grumman is a leading provider of health IT solutions and services, supporting the continuum of health and human services for federal civilian, military, state, local and international customers. Through the integration of health expertise and information technology, the company supports national health goals to enhance benefits systems solutions, increase the quality and efficiency of healthcare and improve the health of the population. Additional details are available at www.northropgrumman.com/healthit.   

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation