-- New sponsored testing program can make it easier for patients to receive genetic testing in Parkinson’s disease, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and other common conditions --
| SAN FRANCISCO, April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, today announced the availability of sponsored genetic testing for patients in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Brazil who are suspected of having or are at risk for developing some of the most common adult neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The new program will make genetic testing available at no charge to individuals at risk for or suspected of having these difficult-to-diagnose conditions. Sponsored testing programs have been shown to increase access to genetic testing, which can help confirm a diagnosis, inform treatment and enable participation in clinical trials for patients.
“As a researcher and clinician working to provide patients and their families access to the genetic testing needed to get clear answers with actionable results, I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to continue expanding access to genetic testing for these devastating disorders,” said Robert Nussbaum, M.D., chief medical officer of Invitae. “Early access to genetic testing has been shown to significantly speed time to diagnosis in neurological conditions. By offering no-charge, sponsored testing we are removing another barrier to testing, helping more patients benefit from genetic-informed care. As I have seen before for many other conditions, there is a virtuous cycle in which increased access to testing leads to earlier and better diagnoses that spurs the development of new therapies and in turn drives increased access to testing and better care.” There are strong genetic links to many neurodegenerative conditions, but in the past diagnosing these conditions relied only on clinical criteria and presenting symptoms alone, prolonging diagnosis. Genetic testing is emerging as an important tool in the early detection of neurodegenerative disorders. Earlier detection of a neurodegenerative condition can provide patients with the opportunity to receive early treatment that may help delay further progression of the disease. Through the program, individuals aged 18 and over who are suspected of having or are at risk for developing ALS, PD or AD with onset under age 65 or hereditary prion disease may be eligible for no-charge testing. In addition to patients exhibiting symptoms, individuals who have a family history of early-onset disease (under the age of 65) are eligible for testing, as are family members of those with a known disease-causing variant covered by the program’s testing. All testing is ordered through a clinician. The program also includes clinical support. Genetic counseling will be available to patients in the U.S. and Canada who receive positive test results. Cost of the testing will be underwritten by program sponsors and no patient-identifiable information will be shared with program sponsors. Learn more about the Adult Neurodegenerative Disorders Sponsored Testing program. About Invitae Safe Harbor Statement Contact:
SOURCE Invitae Corporation | ||
Company Codes: NYSE:NVTA |
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