Horizon Therapeutics plc Announces New Genetic Counselor Curated Algorithms and Next-Generation Sequencing Data as Winning Solutions of First-Ever Horizon Prize, Powered by MIT Solve, to Accelerate Rare Disease Diagnosis

Rhea-AI Summary

Horizon Therapeutics (Nasdaq: HZNP) has announced the winners of the Horizon Prize, ThinkGenetic Inc. and Congenica, who will receive $150,000 to enhance their solutions aimed at expediting rare disease diagnoses. ThinkGenetic utilizes algorithms to identify at-risk patients, while Congenica offers free diagnostic solutions to underrepresented groups. With rare disease patients facing an average diagnostic delay of nearly five years, this initiative aims to improve diagnosis speed and healthcare equity for approximately 400 million people worldwide.

Positive

• Funding of $150,000 awarded to ThinkGenetic and Congenica for developing innovative solutions in rare disease diagnosis.
• ThinkGenetic's algorithms aim to expedite identification and education for at-risk patients, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
• Congenica's initiative to provide diagnostic solutions for underrepresented communities supports equitable healthcare access.

Negative

• None.

-- Genetic counselor algorithms identify at-risk patients to help shorten the rare, genetic

disease odyssey --

-- Next-generation sequencing data delivers personalized rare disease therapies in an equitable manner to underrepresented communities --

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP), in collaboration with MIT Solve, a marketplace for social impact innovation, is proud to announce two winning solutions of this year’s Horizon Prize, ThinkGenetic Inc. and Congenica. The winners will share $150,000 in funding to continue evolving their solutions for reducing the time it takes to be diagnosed with a rare disease.

ThinkGenetic uses genetic counselor curated algorithms to search health records to identify at-risk rare disease patients and educate them and their physicians on the condition, how to get tested, diagnosed and treated. Once identified, it works with the hospital system to educate physicians and patients on what the condition is, how to test for it, treat and manage it. ThinkGenetic CEO and founder, David Jacob is a genetic patient himself and plans to use this funding to expand ThinkGenetic to support more genetic conditions.

Congenica uses software to analyze next-generation sequencing data to provide a free-of-charge diagnostic solution for people from disadvantaged groups affected by rare conditions. In doing so, it also creates an unbiased data system that will help improve its diagnostic models. According to Congenica, ethnic minorities are likely to experience barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment due to a variety of cultural and socioeconomic factors. This funding would allow Congenica to provide free access to its platform for the analysis and diagnosis of thousands of ethnic minority patients.

“Congratulations on being the first-ever winners of The Horizon Prize,” said Tim Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon. “Estimates indicate rare disease patients spend nearly five years going to appointments, getting tests and seeing multiple healthcare providers before their disease is accurately diagnosed—this is unacceptable. We are inspired by the ingenuity behind ThinkGenetic and Congenica to improve time to diagnosis and the potential to improve quality of life for the nearly 400 million people affected by rare disease worldwide.”

“Congratulations to ThinkGenetic, Inc. and Congenica on this well-deserved recognition,” said Alex Amouyel, Executive Director, MIT Solve. “We are inspired by your work to help people with rare diseases get the care they need—faster, more accurately, and more equitably.”

The Horizon Prize is a first-of-its-kind global innovation challenge focused on speeding diagnosis and care for people impacted by rare disease. This year, visionaries, academics and inventors from a pool of more than 138,000 individuals in over 137 countries set out to solve, “How can technology help people with rare diseases get the right care faster and more accurately?”

Each year The Horizon Prize will pose a unique question to encourage innovators and entrepreneurs to try to solve a problem associated with the rare disease community. For more information on The Horizon Prize solutions visit https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/horizonprize.

About Horizon

Horizon is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: we apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives. For more information on how we go to incredible lengths to impact lives, please visit www.horizontherapeutics.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

About MIT Solve

Solve is an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a mission to solve world challenges. Solve is a marketplace for social impact innovation. Through open innovation Challenges, Solve finds incredible tech-based social entrepreneurs all around the world. Solve then brings together MIT’s innovation ecosystem and a community of Members to fund and support these entrepreneurs to help them drive lasting, transformational impact. Join Solve on this journey at solve.mit.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210921005581/en/

U.S. Media Contact:

Geoff Curtis

Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Communications Officer

media@horizontherapeutics.com

Ireland Media Contact:

Gordon MRM

Ray Gordon

ray@gordonmrm.ie

Source: Horizon Therapeutics plc

FAQ

What is Horizon Therapeutics' recent announcement regarding rare diseases?

Horizon Therapeutics announced the winners of the Horizon Prize, awarding $150,000 to ThinkGenetic Inc. and Congenica to speed up rare disease diagnosis.

How does ThinkGenetic help patients at risk of rare diseases?

ThinkGenetic employs genetic counselor algorithms to identify at-risk patients and provide education on testing and treatment options.

What solutions is Congenica providing for rare disease diagnostics?

Congenica offers a free diagnostic solution specifically targeting disadvantaged groups affected by rare diseases.

How many people are affected by rare diseases worldwide?

Around 400 million people are impacted by rare diseases globally.

What is the significance of the Horizon Prize?

The Horizon Prize is an innovation challenge designed to accelerate diagnosis and care for individuals affected by rare diseases.