Bionano Genomics Announces Launch of Its Rare Undiagnosed Genetic Disease (RUGD) Strategic Initiative Aimed at the 350 Million People Globally Living with a Rare Disease
- Rare diseases affect more than 350 million people globally
- It is estimated that 1 in 15 people globally are affected by a rare disease
- Estimates are that 25 million Americans and 30 million in
Europe are living with a rare disease - More than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified to date
- Approximately 80% of rare disease are believed to be caused by genetic factors
- It takes on average 7 seven years, with standard techniques, to obtain an accurate diagnosis
- Even after all these standard techniques, more than 50% of patients with rare diseases remain go undiagnosed
There are many different causes of rare disease, but most are genetic and believed to be directly caused by changes in genes or chromosomes. In some cases, genetic changes that cause disease are passed from one generation to the next. In other cases, they occur randomly in a person who is the first in their family to be diagnosed. Karyotyping, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosomal microarray (CMA), targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) are broadly used during the diagnostic odysseys associated with rare diseases and yet more than 50% of patients on average are left undiagnosed. The patients are left on a frustrating and stressful RUGD odysseys without answers.
A major part of the solution is genome testing and research. Bionano offers a suite of solutions with OGM systems, genome analysis software and testing and laboratory services that may provide valuable answers for RUGD research. Today, Bionano is launching its RUGD initiative in an effort to help elevate the level of focus and dedication in translational and clinical research. Bionano’s RUGD initiative will include Bionano’s suite of product offerings, support for educational awareness, working towards development of research grants in this area and supporting professional societies with a shared mission of improving RUGD patient care and management, such as the
As part of Bionano’s RUGD initiative, Bionano has committed to provide three years of financial support for the
“In recognition of Rare Disease Day, we are proud to announce our commitment to be a part of the solution with the announcement of our elevated commitment to delivering answers with our genome analysis solutions and the launch of our company-wide RUGD initiative,” commented Erik Holmlin, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Bionano. “OGM has been delivered meaningful answers across the genome, in some cases where standard cytogenetic techniques were unable to do so, and we are dedicated to ending these long painful odysseys through our product solutions accessible for translational and clinical research globally and other components of our RUGD initiative. We look forward to supporting the ACMGF and contributing to the addition of more experts in the field of RUGD research and expanding the reach of genetic and genomic medicine.”
For more information on Rare Disease Day and Bionano’s commitment in RUGD research please visit: https://bionanogenomics.com/blog/rare-diseases-are-not-rare-and-bionano-is-committed-to-making-a-difference/
About
Forward-Looking Statements of
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes and are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things, the: ability of our products and services in providing valuable answers for RUGD research; the impact of our RUGD initiative on elevating the level of focus and dedication in translational and clinical research; our plans for executing on our RUGD initiative, including financial support for the ACMGF; and the impact of our support for the ACMGF on the field of RUGD research. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape and the introduction of competitive technologies or improvements in existing technologies; the ACMGF’s use of our funds and support; changes in our support for RUGD research; changes in our strategic and commercial plans; our ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund our strategic plans and commercialization efforts; the ability of medical and research institutions to obtain funding to support adoption or continued use of our technologies; and the risks and uncertainties associated with our business and financial condition in general, including the risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the
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Source: Bionano Genomics