SAN DIEGO, Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc.
(NASDAQ: ILMN) and Genetic Alliance today announced the creation of
the iHope™ Genetic Health program aimed at providing
whole-genome sequencing access (WGS) to tens of thousands of
patients across the globe impacted by genetic disease. At least
half of iHope Genetic Health's efforts will be focused on areas of
the world in need outside the US, with more than one-third of
Illumina's support being dedicated to patients in Africa.
"By establishing iHope™ Genetic Health, we are expanding our
commitment to ensure that the benefits derived from whole-genome
sequencing are available to as many people as possible, as quickly
as possible, regardless of disease, geography or income," said
Francis deSouza, Chief Executive Officer at Illumina. "By unlocking
the power of the human genome, we can find answers for these
patients where no others can, and dramatically change lives."
Through this flagship program, Illumina will enable Genetic
Alliance, a global nonprofit focused on advancing genetics to
benefit human health, to create networks of clinics, and
laboratories equipped with the necessary genome technology to
provide precision genomic diagnoses to patients suffering from rare
genetic disease. As part of this program, Genetic Alliance
will also partner with pharmaceutical, technology companies and
care providers to support patient access to data, therapeutic
interventions, and ongoing supportive care.
"Since our inception in 1986, Genetic Alliance's mission has
been to realize a world in which those affected by genetic disease
are diagnosed and offered interventions to alleviate their
suffering," said Genetic Alliance CEO, Sharon Terry. "As the mother of two children,
diagnosed with a genetic condition, I can't rest until we build
equitable systems to meet the needs of all who experience the
diagnostic odyssey. In iHope Genetic Health we recognize the place
of individuals, families, and communities to prioritize and solve
the problems they face, consistent with their own values and
culture."
iHopeTM Genetic Health will build upon the success of
Illumina's existing iHope efforts, further extending the reach of
the program and enabling clinical laboratories and care centers
throughout the world to test patients impacted by rare disease and
other genetic health conditions. Genetic disease affects over 300
million individuals worldwide, the vast majority of whom are
children. In high income countries these patients often remain
undiagnosed for up to seven years, while in low- and middle-income
geographies, many families never know the cause of their child's
suffering. Further enabling access will help reduce the
psychological stress and loss of income that many families
endure.
"The success of the Human Genome Project has revolutionized
medicine by enabling treatments that precisely target
disease-causing changes in DNA," said National Institutes of Health
Director Francis S. Collins, M.D.,
Ph.D. "While the cost of genome sequencing has dropped
precipitously over the past decade, it remains cost-prohibitive for
many. I applaud Genetic Alliance for launching this important
initiative to improve access to this life-changing technology.
Access to medicine should always be a right, not a privilege."
To ensure support for patients throughout their diagnostic and
care journey iHope Genetic Health will be supported by a network of
disease advocacy, technology, pharmaceutical and clinical support
organizations.
"We have a moral imperative to help genetic disease patients who
need a diagnosis," said Ryan Taft,
PhD, Illumina's iHope lead and Vice President, Scientific
Research. "iHope Genetic Health will change the trajectory of
genomic medicine worldwide, helping patients who may have otherwise
been invisible. Our vision is a genome for every patient that needs
one, and a network of partners who will help them on every part of
their journey to better health."
iHope Genetic Health will begin reviewing applications for
clinical whole genome sequencing programs in February 2022. For more information please visit
ihopegenetichealth.org.
About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by
unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has
established us as the global leader in DNA sequencing and
array-based technologies, serving customers in the research,
clinical and applied markets. Our products are used for
applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health,
agriculture and other emerging segments. To learn more,
visit www.illumina.com and connect with us
on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram,
and YouTube.
About Genetic Alliance
Genetic Alliance, a nonprofit
organization founded in 1986, is a leader in deploying high-tech
and high-touch programs for individuals, families, and communities
to transform health systems by being responsive to the real needs
of people in their quest for health. The Alliance comprises 10,000
organizations, 2,000 of which are disease and patient advocacy
foundations, and include community health programs, employee
wellness programs, local nonprofits, religious institutions, and
community-specific programs to grow and expand their reach and
mission. For more information, visit geneticalliance.org.
Use of forward-looking statements
This release
contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including the expectation for lower costs related to
the storing and managing of genomic data costs. Among the important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in any forward-looking statements are: (i) challenges
inherent in developing and launching new products and services;
(ii) our ability to successfully manage partnerships; (iii) our
ability to deploy new products, services, and applications,
especially in developing markets; and (iii) the acceptance by
customers and other stakeholders of our newly launched products or
services, which may or may not meet our and their expectations once
deployed, together with other factors detailed in our filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent
filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in
public conference calls, the date and time of which are released
beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to
update these forward-looking statements, to review or confirm
analysts' expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on
the progress of the current quarter.
Contacts
For Illumina:
Investors
Brian Blanchett
858.291.6421
IR@illumina.com
Media
Dr. Karen Birmingham
EMEA: +44 7500 105665
US: 646.355.2111
kbirmingham@illumina.com
For Genetic Alliance:
media@geneticalliance.org
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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.