Since the Supreme Court’s historic decision, stating that human genes cannot be patented, Genome Liberty, a company that provides medical independence to individuals through genetic and DNA test, founded by two preeminent scientists have democratized the human gene, giving people direct access to their own genetic make-up. Genetic screening is designed to treat each patient as an individual. Among other things, patients will know what medications are best for their DNA structure, as well as “Factor V Leiden,” which can cause dangerous blood clots in women with this condition who take estrogen, either for birth-control or hormone replacement
“Allowing people to look at their DNA for their human genes in its entirety – which was hidden from patients’ empowers individuals and omits companies from monopolizing human genes,” Mason said, and added, “Our next-generation DNA sequencing technology allows individuals to be proactive in understanding how their genome can affect health decisions.”
Scientists and doctors have found the molecular basis for disease and drug response. As a result, it has become increasingly clear that a “one-size-fits-all” framework for medicine is not in a patients' best interest. Furthermore, Genetic testing is rarely performed before a drug is prescribed. 74% of physicians report poor knowledge of genetics. 62% of physicians are uncomfortable ordering genetic tests.” Genome Liberty offers patients a distinct advantage.
“Genome Liberty fills an important void in our current medical system,” Rosenfeld said. “For example, there are clear genetic markers for many medications that will determine whether a person will respond properly or have extreme side-effects to medications, like, Plavix, Nexium, Prilosec, Zocor, Dilantin, Coumadin, Haloperidol, Abilify, and Celexa, to name a few.
Genome Liberty will work directly with consumers as well as doctors to offer a Gene-Drug Interaction Test. Here is how the test works:
• A customer (1) orders a DNA test on the Genome Liberty website; (2) receives a DNA kit, saliva-collection; (3) provides a saliva sample; and (4) mails the sample to Genome Liberty’s certified medical lab, which extracts the DNA and tests for genetic variants corresponding to drug responses.
• Customers receive a full report within two weeks, to bring to their physician, outlining the medications that are recommended and discouraged, based upon an individual’s specific genetic test.
Genome Liberty’s co-founders are established leaders in genetics and the use of advanced technologies to improve human health and health care. Dr. Christopher Mason is a faculty member of the Weill Cornell Medical School and was a witness for the successful plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case. Dr. Jeffrey Rosenfeld is a faculty member at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where his research focuses on human genome variation. He is also a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History.
To learn more about Genome Liberty’s mission, please visit www.genomeliberty.com. To support Genome Liberty’s crowd-funding campaign, please visit: http://www.rockethub.com/29313.
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The innovations of Drs. Mason and Rosenfield promise to change how physicians treat patients in a dramatic way. Making DNA testing easily available to the general public is very exciting.
Maryann
August 20, 2013 - 4:30pmThis Comment