Summary
Privately held Knome Inc., has partnered with SeqWright to provide genetic testing through SeqWright's CLIA lab. This move comes as recent several regulatory developments have occurred with respect to companies offering direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services. The Knome/SeqWright partnership may be an indication of a trend in new marketing strategies for companies offering DTC genetic testing services. This development is another step in the evolution of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing.
Analysis
Privately held Knome Inc., has partnered with SeqWright to provide genetic testing through SeqWright's CLIA lab. This move comes as recent several regulatory developments have occurred with respect to companies offering direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services. The Knome/SeqWright partnership may be an indication of a trend in new marketing strategies for companies offering DTC genetic testing services. This development is another step in the evolution of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing.
DTC genetic testing services may face increased scrutiny as evidenced by recent events. Two articles published in The American Journal of Bioethics debate the, social, and ethical implications of mixing social networking with direct-to-consumer genomics. The State of New York's decision to regulate DTC companies that provide genetic testing services is yet another example of increased in regulatory genetic test oversight. Also, comments made by regulatory agencies during a recent American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) online conference indicate continued monitoring and compliance of companies offering direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. According to CMS, there are over 117 "entities" involved in DTC genetic testing.
For more information on the DTC genetic testing market and the companies mentioned above, please contact your GLG representative to schedule an individual consult.
