Zipping Your Genes: Optimizing Diagnoses with Genetic Testing

[SciTechPress]

Biogen and Invitae, two leading biotechnology and genomics companies, recently announced the availability of a rapid results genetic testing program for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The test will reduce the definitive diagnosis from 21 to just four days, at no charge to individuals in the U.S.⁶ SMA is often a life-threatening disease, characterized by loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain stem. As it progresses, the disease can cause severe and progressive muscle atrophy and weakness.⁷ Faster diagnostics will allow for earlier intervention, treatment and, potentially, better medical outcomes for patients with SMA.

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6. Global Newswire, “Biogen and Invitae Announce Availability of Rapid Results in Genetic Testing Program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to Improve Speed of Diagnosis for Patients,” Aug 20, 2019.

7. Ibid.