GeneDx, Inc. stands at the forefront of genetic and genomic testing, revolutionizing how health decisions are made. With a commitment to delivering tailored support, they empower both individuals and medical professionals by unlocking crucial insights into complex health questions. In a revealing conversation, Sean Hofherr, the company’s Executive Vice President, sheds light on their cutting-edge approach. By harnessing the power of advanced sequencing technologies, GeneDx is adept at uncovering genetic markers associated with rare conditions. This pioneering work not only paves the way for personalized medicine but also offers hope where answers were once scarce.
Navigating the intricate world of genetics can be daunting; however, GeneDx‘s dedication simplifies this journey. Their expertise in identifying specific genetic variations means that patients facing uncommon diseases now have a beacon of hope. Through detailed analysis and interpretation of genetic data, GeneDx unlocks personalized pathways to better health outcomes—making them an invaluable ally in the quest for understanding rare genetic disorders.
Starting with an introduction to your identity and profession
With a background in both clinical molecular and clinical biochemical genetics, my journey began at GeneDx, where I’ve served for the past four years. Initially joining as the Chief Scientific Officer, I quickly transitioned to overseeing the lab as its director, handling all regulatory and licensing matters. My role expanded further when I stepped into the position of executive vice president, allowing me to oversee a broader range of company operations.
Prior to my tenure at GeneDx, my career was rooted in practical experience at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C., where I established and managed a molecular laboratory from its inception. There, I developed an extensive molecular genetic testing program while managing the biochemical genetics laboratory. This hands-on experience built on my foundational training received during my time at Mayo Clinic and educational pursuits that culminated in obtaining a Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Explaining the origins and growth of the business
Founded two decades ago by a pair of forward-thinking researchers from the National Institute of Health, Sherri Bale and John Compton, GeneDx emerged from their aspiration to harness various molecular techniques for patient diagnoses. Initially not equipped to provide genetic testing services directly, Bale and Compton ventured into uncharted territory with the creation of GeneDx, setting their sights on identifying rare diseases.
The company has adopted the zebra as its emblem, drawing inspiration from a common adage in medical education that encourages looking for usual rather than unusual explanations for symptoms. The phrase « When You Hear Hoofbeats, Think Horses, Not Zebras » serves as a reminder that in the realm of rare diseases, the unusual suspects are often the culprits. This philosophy underpins GeneDx’s mission: to seek out and diagnose these ‘zebras’—a task at which they excel thanks to their commitment to staying at the cutting edge of genetic testing.
Advancements in technology have significantly broadened what is achievable in diagnosing genetic conditions. GeneDx remains at the forefront of this evolving field, rapidly integrating new methods and technologies into their diagnostic processes. By continuously adapting and improving their capabilities, they ensure that individuals facing uncommon disorders receive accurate diagnoses and insights into their conditions—solidifying GeneDx’s role as a leader in identifying life’s rarities through genetics.
Types of Tests Your Company Provides and Their Impact on Doctors’ Choices
GeneDx stands out for its pioneering services in both whole exome and whole genome sequencing, making significant strides in clinical diagnostics. Over a decade, they’ve conducted tests on hundreds of thousands of people, positioning themselves as leaders in exome sequencing across the U.S., with their efforts expanding into genome sequencing to further revolutionize genetic testing.
The foundation of GeneDx was built on the notion that each disorder could be traced back to a single gene. This simplistic view has since evolved with advancements in technology. The advent of massively parallel next-generation sequencing opened doors to examining multiple genes simultaneously, enabling a comprehensive analysis beyond targeting individual genes. This marked a significant leap from traditional methods where knowledge about specific genes limited the scope of diagnosis.
Today, the approach towards diagnosing genetic conditions has transformed dramatically. Health professionals now cast a wider net by examining every gene rather than honing in on predetermined ones. This shift ensures that nothing is overlooked when determining the genetic underpinnings of a patient’s symptoms.
Rapid genome sequencing emerges as an invaluable tool particularly within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), offering swift insights that guide medical practice not only there but also in broader contexts. With companies like GeneDx leading the charge by providing rapid results, we’re witnessing an era where genetic testing plays a crucial role in shaping modern medicine’s future.
In essence, GeneDx’s contributions have been instrumental not just in advancing genetic testing technologies but also in altering how healthcare providers approach and manage genetic disorders, ushering in new possibilities for patient care through their extensive test catalog.
How do you use the vast amount of data gathered, and what are your goals with it?
In the realm of healthcare, particularly in genetic research, data plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding and treatment of various conditions. As we gather more insights from testing large numbers of patients, we’re better equipped to provide informed responses to new cases that come our way.
Take the scenario where an unfamiliar genetic mutation appears in a patient. Initially, its significance might be unclear due to limited information. However, as similar cases emerge—patients with matching symptoms and the same mutation—we begin piecing together evidence that strengthens our hypothesis about its relevance.
Once convinced of the mutation’s role in causing specific symptoms, it’s labeled as pathogenic. This discovery triggers a process where past case healthcare providers are informed about this breakthrough. They’re offered a chance to update their patients’ diagnoses based on this newfound understanding, ensuring everyone affected benefits from our collective wisdom.
Additionally, collaboration extends beyond patient care into research partnerships with clinical groups. A notable example is a recent study published in JAMA revealing significant genetic contributors to cerebral palsy (CP) among children and adults within a particular group studied alongside Geisinger Health System. This work underscored that roughly 30% of kids and 10% of grown-ups with CP had their condition attributed to genetic mutations.
Our commitment to sharing knowledge doesn’t stop there; we actively participate in public databases like ClinVar, ClinGen, GeneMatcher, and others. By making de-identified data publicly available, not only do we enrich our investigations but also contribute significantly to advancing genetics and rare disease research worldwide.
Through this open model of data sharing combined with diligent investigation and collaboration across clinical specialties and research endeavors, we pave the way for more precise diagnostics and treatments that promise better health outcomes for individuals grappling with genetic disorders around the globe.
Why aren’t genetic tests commonly included in healthcare?
Despite the breakthroughs of the human genome project, its full potential in healthcare remains unrealized. A significant barrier to this promise is the limited genetics education doctors receive during their medical training. This gap in knowledge prevents healthcare providers from effectively utilizing genetic testing when necessary. Moreover, becoming a clinical geneticist requires additional years of specialized training beyond pediatrics, with less financial incentive compared to other pediatric specialties. This discourages many from pursuing genetics as their career focus, leading to a shortage of experts in the field.
Additionally, the high cost of genetic testing has been a persistent issue, though recent technological advancements have helped reduce prices somewhat. However, insurance companies in the U.S., who are primarily responsible for covering these tests, often resist payment unless it can be shown that the test will significantly alter a patient’s immediate treatment plan. The benefits of obtaining a genetic diagnosis extend beyond immediate medical care; they can provide access to social services and support networks which may not directly translate into savings for insurers but offer substantial value to patients.
Nevertheless, there is hope on the horizon as genomic technologies continue to evolve and become more integrated into everyday healthcare practices. As we advance our understanding and capacity for genetic testing, it holds great promise for enhancing personalized medicine and improving patient outcomes. Being at the leading edge of supplying these services across America positions us to play an instrumental role in ushering in this new era of healthcare innovation.
GeneDx’s Role in Combating COVID-19
In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, when New York City became the main battleground against the virus in the United States, our founding organization, BioReference Laboratories, swiftly stepped up to implement COVID-19 testing services outside of this hot zone. The surge in cases within the city necessitated an immediate response, leading to a partnership between BioReference and local government authorities to facilitate widespread testing.
A mere six weeks following our parent company’s initiative, we capitalized on our specialized knowledge and technological capabilities to introduce our own COVID-19 testing operations. This move was geared towards bolstering BioReference Laboratories’ endeavor by expanding testing accessibility. Our inaugural test was conducted on April 20th, 2020, marking the beginning of an ongoing campaign against COVID-19 under our shared banner.
Since then, we’ve not only maintained but also scaled up our testing efforts to meet growing demands. Through continuous advancements and unwavering commitment, we aim to stay at the forefront of this fight, providing crucial support in these challenging times.
What new trends or technologies are you currently excited about?
Keeping tabs on the evolution of sequencing methods is part of our routine, with short-read sequencing currently taking the lead in the field. Nonetheless, long-read sequencing is proving its worth and showing potential to play a more prominent role in the future. It’s viewed as an addition to short-read methods now but could stand out on its own over time.
When it comes to genetic conditions, there are instances where it appears neither parent carries the condition their child has. Yet, through precise testing, we’ve discovered that parents can carry very small amounts of these genetic changes—a phenomenon known as mosaicism—which only specialized quantitative tools like digital droplet technology can identify.
Another area catching our eye is optical mapping technologies. Both computer-based approaches such as those offered by 10X Genomics and physical mapping techniques like those developed by Bionano are under our microscope. These innovations continually impress us with their capabilities and promise for future applications in genetics research.
What’s your outlook for the future of your sector?
Imagine a future where getting your genome sequenced is just as routine as an annual check-up. The discovery of genes linked to diseases could be seamlessly integrated with this data, offering us lifetime updates on our genetic health profile. It’s like having a health diary that evolves with you, incorporating new findings such as changes in blood pressure or the latest EKG results into one comprehensive record. This personal health file would not only be portable but accessible anytime, putting the power of information directly in our hands.
The idea is to centralize all individual health details, making it simpler for both patients and doctors to get a holistic view of one’s health status. Say goodbye to the days when only doctors understood your test results; we’re moving towards making these reports straightforward for everyone. This shift aims at democratising access to genetic information, ensuring it’s no longer just medical professionals who can decipher these vital clues about our well-being.
Historically speaking, genetic testing was something initiated and interpreted solely by healthcare providers – often leaving patients out of the loop due to the technical nature of the reports. However, strides are being made to change this practice by simplifying how these findings are presented. Genomics holds immense potential across various medical disciplines; we’re barely scratching the surface now but expect it to become integral in diagnosing and treating diseases across the board soon.
In essence, this revolution in healthcare promises more personalized medicine where treatments and preventative measures can be tailored specifically to our genetic makeup—ushering in an era where understanding our genomes becomes key to optimizing our health outcomes.
