#United States #Cambridge #Broad Clinical Labs #Cardiomyopathy #Everygene

Everygene Launches Free Genetic Testing for Cardiomyopathy Patients

Everygene, a leader in precision health, has announced an innovative nationwide program offering free genetic testing for individuals diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. This groundbreaking initiative, which is powered by Broad Clinical Labs (BCL) and the Laboratory for Molecular Medicine at Mass General Brigham, aims to improve access to genetic insights for people dealing with inherited cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a serious heart condition affecting the heart muscle, leading to potential heart failure and sudden cardiac death. In the U.S., over a million individuals are impacted by this disease, yet fewer than 2% currently receive the necessary genetic testing that could significantly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Lack of screening often results in missed or delayed diagnoses, which can put at-risk family members in jeopardy by leaving them without the essential evaluations or interventions they need.

The newly launched Everygene program is designed to eliminate both financial and logistical barriers that have, in the past, restricted access to genetic testing. This initiative offers comprehensive molecular analysis and genetic counseling services entirely free of charge for eligible patients. BCL employs its cutting-edge, high-resolution blended genome-exome technology, which is specifically optimized for identifying rare and clinically significant genetic variants, ensuring enhanced testing sensitivity.

Expert Interpretation and Support

The Laboratory for Molecular Medicine brings its extensive experience in cardiovascular genetics to the forefront of this program. They are tasked with providing expert interpretation and clinical reporting based on a carefully curated gene panel that is known to be associated with cardiomyopathy. According to Jeb Balise, the founder and CEO of Everygene, "Most patients suffering from genetic cardiomyopathy are never tested, despite the life-altering potential of such testing. This initiative intends to bring affordable and advanced diagnostic testing to more patients, allowing them to make informed healthcare decisions."

Additionally, Dr. Sean Hofherr, Chief of Clinical Product and Development at BCL, emphasized the advanced capabilities of their blended genome-exome assay: “It allows us to identify a broader range of disease-relevant variations beyond traditional testing panels.” The integration of cutting-edge technology enables scalable testing that delivers clinical-grade performance, thereby improving the accuracy of tests and subsequent diagnoses.

Dr. Matt Lebo, Director of the Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, highlights the importance of accurate variant classification: “It’s essential for making genetic results actionable. With decades of experience interpreting cardiomyopathy-related genes, our team is dedicated to delivering meaningful results that patients and their families can truly understand and utilize.”

How the Program Works

This free genetic testing program is available to U.S.-based individuals who have received a clinical diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. Moreover, it allows for optional cascade testing for at-risk family members, further extending the program’s reach and potential impact. All genetic test results come with the support of certified genetic counselors who provide essential guidance to help patients comprehend their findings and decide on the best course of action moving forward.

Interested individuals can acquire more information or enroll in the program by visiting www.everygene.com.

About Everygene

Everygene is committed to democratizing access to crucial genetic information that can save lives. Their innovative approach delivers high-quality testing and expert analysis directly to people's homes, empowering them to uncover inherited disease risks and pursue better health outcomes proactively. The cardiomyopathy program, born out of collaboration with Broad Clinical Labs and the Laboratory for Molecular Medicine at Mass General Brigham, marks the beginning of a series of efforts geared towards enhancing genetic testing accessibility for conditions where early detection can drastically improve health outcomes.

About Broad Clinical Labs

Established in 2013, Broad Clinical Labs is a non-profit subsidiary of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, focusing on accelerating the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases through the development and adoption of cutting-edge genomic technologies and innovative molecular assays. For further details, visit www.broadclinicallabs.org.