Congenica has been tapped by Genomics England to provide clinical decision support services for the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, which aims to make genetic testing a routine element of delivering healthcare.
The multiyear contract will employ Congenica’s Sapientia genome interpretation software platform.
“By working with Congenica from the start of the 100,000 Genomes Project, we’ve been able to provide high quality variant interpretation of genome sequences to the NHS, helping deliver benefits to patients at scale,” Genomics England Chief Executive John Mattick said in a statement.
NHS’ genomic service began mobilizing earlier this month, with a network that will include genomic laboratory hubs spread out across the country. Initially, patients with cancer and rare and inherited diseases will be able to access genomic testing, before it opens to other populations.
“Genomics England and the NHS have done extraordinary work in building the foundations for the Genomic Medicine Service,” said Congenica CEO David Atkins, Ph.D., describing the initiative as the world’s first of its kind.
Sapientia was validated on approximately 10,000 genomes during Genomics England’s 100,000 Genomes Project, with Congenica scientists using the platform to analyze patients’ genetic code and produce actionable clinical reports.
The 100,000 Genomes Project is expected to reach its goal before the end of 2018; as of Oct. 1, the program has sequenced 87,231 whole genomes.