OPKO Health's GeneDx Adds GenomeXpress to Its Industry-Leading Clinical Genomics Portfolio

Rhea-AI Summary

OPKO Health's subsidiary, GeneDx, has launched GenomeXpress, a rapid genome sequencing test that delivers results within seven days. This innovation enhances GeneDx's clinical genomics portfolio, offering three rapid sequencing options. GenomeXpress identifies pathogenic variants across both coding and non-coding regions of the genome, improving diagnostic accuracy for over 13,000 genetic diseases. The test promises to reduce hospital stays and healthcare costs while providing timely insights to clinicians and patients.

Positive

• Launch of GenomeXpress enhances clinical genomics portfolio with rapid results.
• Improved diagnostic capabilities for over 13,000 genetic diseases.
• Potential reduction in hospital stays and healthcare costs.

Negative

• None.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GeneDx, Inc., a subsidiary of BioReference Laboratories, Inc., an OPKO Health company (NASDAQ:OPK), today announced the launch of GenomeXpress, a rapid genome sequencing test. Verbal GenomeXpress results of pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic variants in known disease causing genes are delivered to the ordering healthcare provider within approximately seven days after the start of testing. A written report for all confirmed variants is sent to the provider within approximately 14 days after start of testing. With the addition of GenomeXpress, GeneDx expands its industry-leading clinical genomics portfolio to now include three rapid sequencing options.

Genome sequencing is a test used to identify variations in any part of the genome and is an important tool for diagnosing genetic diseases. By including both protein-coding and non-coding regions of the human genome including promoter, intronic, and untranslated regions, GenomeXpress allows for the detection of characterized/pathogenic variants in regions that are not assessed by exome sequencing. Genetic changes can cause over 13,000 different diseases and patients often present with overlapping symptoms.¹ Finding the correct diagnosis is not always straight-forward and may require multiple tests, costly evaluations, invasive procedures and long hospital stays. A rapid diagnosis can alter management, shorten the length of hospital stays, reduce healthcare costs and save lives. 

"With the new offering of GenomeXpress, we are advancing healthcare," said Jane Juusola, Ph.D., FACMG, Director of Clinical Genomics for GeneDx. "Rapid genome sequencing paired with GeneDx's massive and ever-expanding genomic database provides clinicians, patients and their families with more meaningful information. As our database grows, we are better able to distinguish likely pathogenic variants from likely benign variants and subsequently identify new disease-causing genes. Every patient who receives a GenomeXpress test will benefit from both our current and future knowledge of genetic disease."

"New and emerging scientific understanding is an imperative aspect of genomics," said Adam Logal, President of GeneDx and Chief Financial Officer of OPKO Health. "Leveraging GeneDx's diverse database with a rapid genome sequencing test may provide patients and their families with options they did not have before. GenomeXpress utilizes GeneDx's clinical genomics expertise, laboratory excellence and the limitless value of the genome, as a future-facing sequencing technology."

Genome sequencing has a diagnostic utility of 42-73%^1-6 with a higher yield for cases that specifically include other family members.^2,5,7-11 With a clinical utility of greater than four times that of chromosomal microarray, genome sequencing should be considered a first-line genomics test for children with suspected genetic diseases.²

About GeneDx, Inc.
GeneDx, Inc. is a global leader in genomics, providing testing to patients and their families from more than 55 countries. Led by its world-renowned clinical genomics program, GeneDx has an acknowledged expertise in rare and ultra-rare genetic disorders, as well as one of the broadest menus of sequencing services available among commercial laboratories. GeneDx offers a suite of additional genetic testing services, including diagnostic testing for hereditary cancers, cardiac, mitochondrial, neurological disorders, prenatal diagnostics and targeted variant testing. GeneDx is a subsidiary of BioReference Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of OPKO Health, Inc. To learn more, please visit www.genedx.com.

About OPKO Health
OPKO is a multinational biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company that seeks to establish industry-leading positions in large, rapidly growing markets by leveraging its discovery, development, and commercialization expertise and novel and proprietary technologies. For more information, visit www.opko.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA), which statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning, including statements regarding BioReference's testing for COVID-19 and the timing of and availability of the test, the expected daily capacity for testing, the ability to expand our test capacity, our ability to increase COVID 19 testing availability nationwide, as well as the timeline for doing so, and the expected turnaround time for testing of hospital and non-hospital patients, as well as other non-historical statements about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our business, technologies and products, financial condition, strategies or prospects. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those described in the OPKO Health, Inc. Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements may also be adversely affected by equipment and reagent shortages, general market factors, competitive product development, product availability, federal and state regulations and legislation, the regulatory process for new products and indications, manufacturing issues that may arise, patent positions and litigation, among other factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA.

References:

1. Clark et al., 2019
2. Clark et al., 2018
3. Soden et al. 2014
4. Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego (2020). Project Baby Bear Final Report
5. Petrikin et al., 2018
6. Gilissen et al. 2014
7. Bick et al., 2017
8. Willig et al., 2015
9. Farnaes et al., 2018
10. Kingsmore et al., 2019
11. Scocchia et al., 2019

 

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SOURCE GeneDx, Inc.

FAQ

What is GenomeXpress launched by OPKO Health?

GenomeXpress is a rapid genome sequencing test from GeneDx that delivers results of pathogenic variants within approximately seven days.

How does GenomeXpress improve diagnostics?

The test detects pathogenic variants in both coding and non-coding regions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for over 13,000 genetic diseases.

What are the benefits of using GenomeXpress?

GenomeXpress can lead to a quicker diagnosis, reduced hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs for patients with suspected genetic disorders.

Who is behind the development of GenomeXpress?

GenomeXpress is developed by GeneDx, a subsidiary of OPKO Health, which specializes in clinical genomics.