SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., July 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Admera Health, a molecular diagnostics company developing comprehensive genetic tests for the risk assessment and early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, cancers and pharmacogenomics, today announced the launch of three physician-ordered DNA tests for healthy adults that will expand its established portfolio of clinical genetic tests for patients. The new tests, which assess risk for inherited high cholesterol, Sudden Cardiac Death, and inherited diabetes, were developed in collaboration with Helix, a personal genomics company that today launched the first online marketplace for DNA-powered products. Admera’s new products will be available on the Helix marketplace along with a diverse range of DNA-powered products focused on nutrition, ancestry, health, fitness, family and entertainment.
“We are very excited to partner with Helix to harness the power of next-generation sequencing to identify genetic markers that research has linked to serious and medically actionable diseases,” said Admera Health’s President and CEO, Guanghui Hu, PhD. “The advent of Helix’s first-of-its-kind online marketplace for DNA-powered products allows every person to have greater visibility into their own genome, and take ownership of their health.”
Admera’s first three DNA-powered products debuting on the Helix online marketplace are:
- Inherited High Cholesterol (Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)) Test ($124.99): Scans for genes or markers that may increase the risk for FH, a major risk factor for developing heart disease.
- Cardio Scout Test ($214.99): Scans for genes or markers that can cause malfunctions of the heart’s electrical system or structure, that may increase the risk of the heart stopping unexpectedly.
- Inherited Diabetes (Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young) Test ($149.99): Scans for genes or markers that may increase the risk for a type of inherited diabetes and may help inform suitable treatment.
Admera plans to release additional products on the Helix marketplace over the next few months.
The process for ordering an Admera test is simple: visit the Helix marketplace at www.helix.com, learn about the available tests, and fill out a health questionnaire that will be reviewed by an independent physician. If the physician determines that the test is appropriate, he or she orders the test, and the consumer will receive a saliva collection kit (if this is the first order placed on Helix.com). After registering the kit, the consumer will mail their saliva sample to Helix’s laboratory for sequencing. Helix will share the portion of the consumer’s genetic data relevant to Admera’s test and Admera will interpret the genetic variants and provide the consumer with a results report. Helix customers will also have the option to seek counsel from highly-qualified, independent genomic experts who can help them understand the results and responsibly interpret their potential impact.
“The high-cost of state-of-the-art sequencing has always been a roadblock to the widespread use of genetic testing among consumers. Helix’s high-volume, CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited next-generation sequencing capability and open platform will bring genetic testing from the hospital into a consumer’s home and have a profound and lasting impact on the personal genomics industry,” said Brady Millican, MD, VP of Business Development at Admera Health.
“Helix is committed to working with partners that share our vision of delivering the highest-quality DNA information to people in a responsible and compliant manner,” said Justin Kao, Co-Founder and SVP of Helix. “Admera is one of the first partners to offer health-related insights on the Helix marketplace, with genetic counseling support for any customer who wants to speak to an expert. We are excited that Admera is bringing their bioinformatics and scientific expertise to help people better assess risk and guide proactive health decisions for several inherited conditions in cardiology and diabetes."
The collaboration with Helix complements Admera’s existing menu of genetic tests for physicians, which utilize Admera’s CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified facility and data knowledgebase.
The Helix marketplace can be accessed at www.Helix.com. Press materials and media assets are available at www.helix.com/press.
About Helix
Helix is a personal genomics company with a simple but powerful mission: to empower every person to improve their life through DNA. We’ve created the first marketplace for DNA-powered products where people can explore diverse and uniquely personalized products developed by high-quality partners. Helix handles sample collection, DNA sequencing, and secure data storage so that our partners can integrate DNA insights into products across a range of categories, including fitness, nutrition, health, family, and more. From profound insights to just-for-fun discoveries, Helix is here to help people live a fuller life. Helix is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, and has a CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified Next-Generation Sequencing lab in San Diego. Learn more at www.helix.com.
About Admera Health
Admera Health is a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited advanced molecular diagnostics company focused on personalized medicine, non-invasive cancer testing, digital health, and providing clinical research services. Research and development efforts are dedicated to developing cutting-edge diagnostics that span the continuum of care. Utilizing next generation technology platforms and advanced bioinformatics, Admera Health seeks to redefine disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and management through its innovative, personalized solutions. It is our mission to deliver transformative, valuable solutions for patients, physicians, and clinical researchers. We are committed to improving the health and well-being of our global community through the direct delivery of personalized, medically actionable results.