Former Astronaut, Leading Researcher of Personalized Medicine and Professor of Biomedical Informatics & Medicine Join Effort to Make Whole Genome Sequencing More Broadly Accessible
Boston, MA, December 15, 2016 - Veritas Genetics, a global leader in genetic sequencing and screening, welcomes three respected experts to its distinguished Scientific Advisory Board. Chosen for their complementary perspectives and expertise in the fields of biomedical informatics, physiology and molecular genetics, the new members will contribute years of insight and a range of perspectives to the startup, which earlier this year, broke the $1,000 barrier for offering whole genome sequencing and interpretation to consumers, physicians and biomedical researchers.
Having recently announced $30 million in Series B funding, the company, which also offers targeted genetic screening tests for hereditary cancer and reproductive health, is focused on continuing its scientific momentum in a manner that is both cutting edge as well as clinically conscientious.
“Whole genome sequencing is going to catalyze the transition to evidence-based preventive healthcare and -- as with anything that is this sophisticated -- we will benefit greatly from multiple, pioneering perspectives,” said Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Preston Estep III, PhD. “This is why our Scientific Advisory Board is made up of such a diverse group of experts. We have gathered world leaders in various key areas to provide a range of deep insights into the genome, so that we can lead this industry and progressively improve the course of human wellness and medicine.”
Veritas Genetic’s myGenome, the company’s whole genome sequencing product, provides far more comprehensive genetic testing information than other current options on the market, which only examine a small fraction of the genome. By exploring the majority of the six billion bases (letters) in the human genome, Veritas Genetics is able to better -- and more reliably -- identify certain genetic variants, giving people actionable insights on personal issues such as diet and nutrition, risk for disease, family planning, and ancestry.
The three new scientific advisory board members are:
• Hans Lehrach, PhD - Director Emeritus at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Genetics in Germany, CEO/CSO Dahlem Centre for Genome Research & Medical System Biology, and Founder of Alacris Theranostics Gmbh.
• Scott Parazynski, MD - Former NASA Astronaut and Physiologist with expertise in human adaptation to extreme environments, CEO of Fluidity Technologies and prolific product developer.
• Shamil Sunyaev, PhD - Professor, Biomedical Informatics and Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chair in Computational Genomics, Research Geneticist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Associate Member of Broad Institute.
They join Veritas Genetics’ current scientific advisory board members: Harvard Medical School Professor and Genetics pioneer, George Church, PhD; Peter Blume-Jensen, MD, PhD; George Siber, MD, PhD; and Scott Patterson, PhD.
According to Dr. Estep, “Hans Lehrach has long been a leader in various aspects of genetics, genomics, and integrative biology of cancer and other diseases. Scott Parazynski has lived a unique and extraordinary life both on and off the planet, combined with world-class medical experience and credentials. Finally, Shamil Sunyaev is a recognized world leader in bringing rigorous theoretical and computational biology to the everyday practice of genetic analyses of clinical and other traits. We are really excited to have them on board.”
