Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI),  a not-for-profit research institute,  and Personalis, Inc. announced a partnership to advance genomic medicine for Inova’s patient population.  Personalis will collaborate with Inova on whole genome analysis and interpretation for undiagnosed syndromes  in an effort to provide patients and their families an answer for these difficult cases.  

“We see a large number of cases where conventional methods have been unable to provide a definitive result, and we feel our next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach is the future in terms of genome-based diagnosis,” said Dr John Niederhuber, CEO of Inova Health System’s Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI).  Dr. Niederhuber continued, “When we developed our large NGS diagnostic program at Inova, we knew that the clinical interpretation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data was one of the most challenging issues involved in deriving meaningful clinical results.  Our partnership with Personalis will enable us to provide the most advanced and clinically appropriate genome analysis and interpretation for our patients.”

“We are very excited to be working with ITMI on whole genome analysis,” said John West, CEO of Personalis.  “They are at the forefront of applying genomic sequencing to clinical care, and understand the complexities of comprehensive and accurate analysis and interpretation.”

For patients with conditions of suspected genomic etiology where no clear answer has been found, the teams will work together to find answers.  ITMI will perform WGS in an effort to uncover the genomic cause of the disease.  Personalis will provide data analysis and clinical interpretation of the results to identify any likely genetic causes.  The Inova team will then review the results and determine how best to use the genomic information in the management of patients’ care at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

“We look forward to a productive partnership that will result in better care for our patients and their families, especially those who have struggled to find answers that now may be within reach,” concluded Dr Niederhuber of Inova.

The Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI) is a not-for-profit research institute delving into the genomics component of personalized medicine. ITMI is utilizing genomic and clinical information from patients to develop innovative methods for personalized patient care.

Personalis provides researchers and clinicians accurate DNA sequencing and interpretation of human exomes and genomes.