Invenio Genetics and Imagene Labs Grow Partnership to Bring Inclusive Ancestry-Based Genetic Risk Scores to U.S. Market
One of the largest gaps in worldwide DNA analysis is the predominantly European source data of most companies’ genetic databases.
Imagene Labs’ polygenic risk scoring analysis system uses datasets from the world’s most prominent and diverse ethnic groups to offer improved accuracy and inclusivity in genetic assessment.
Invenio Genetics will provide this proprietary technology to provider and payor networks through their GeneFolio® Fitness & Nutrition DNA analysis.
La Palma, California – Singapore – Personalized health care provider Invenio Genetics and Singaporean partner Imagene Labs announced an enhanced collaboration today in the development of an improved DNA analysis offering. Through the new partnership, Imagene Labs’ patented ancestry-based polygenic risk scoring bioinformatics system will power Invenio Genetics’ GeneFolio® Fitness & Nutrition DNA analysis, increasing accuracy for currently underrepresented health populations.
Understanding one’s unique genetic pre-disposition risk tendencies is vital in ensuring the best and correct steps are taken to optimize health and well-being. However, one of the most significant gaps in preventive health and wellness DNA analysis currently is the predominantly European/Non-Hispanic White information that most companies’ genetic databases are sourced from – reportedly nearly 80 percent. Yet studies have increasingly shown that different ancestries or ethnic groups inherently have different genetic risk profiles. For example, approximately 21% of Europeans have genetic predisposition to be at risk for some form of Vitamin D deficiency, whereas the East Asian at-risk group for the same deficiency is double that number. This is one of many examples that underscore the necessity for genetic assessments to include real genetic diversity to improve accuracy.
Imagene Labs’ genetics risk scoring bioinformatics system uses machine-learning tools and genetic datasets from all five of the world’s primary ethnic groups (East Asian, South Asian, Latin American, European and African), and bridges market gaps by offering improved precision in human genetics assessment results.
Invenio Genetics’ GeneFolio® Fitness & Nutrition DNA test harnesses this technology by analyzing more than 1,000 genetic variations related to 20 fitness traits and 30 nutrition and diet factors. This includes an individual’s response to exercise, their risk for obesity, and risk for certain nutrient, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These insights provide valuable information on how to personalize and design the right fitness training and nutritional intake to attain personal goals.
Micaela Fitzpatrick, spokesperson for Invenio Genetics, stated, “We’re proud to partner with Imagene Labs for their accurate and inclusive bioinformatics system. Incorporating racial and ethnic diversity in our genetic analysis gives our patients, health systems and their customers truly tailored fitness, nutrition and weight management strategies optimized for each individual.”
Dr. Wong Mun Yew, founder and managing director of Imagene Labs, shares, “Inclusivity and diversity is in our DNA. Our entry into the U.S. began through our collaboration with Avera Health, an owner of the Innovation Institute, in mid-2019. We are excited that this partnership has grown to include nationwide providers and payors networks through Invenio Genetics. We believe this marks the initial stage of an exciting journey to be the leading bioinformatics analysis provider for precision health in the health care market in America.”
About Invenio Genetics and The Innovation Institute
Launched in 2019, Invenio Genetics is the 18th member-founded joint venture of The Innovation Institute. The Innovation Institute is a collaborative of not-for-profit health systems focused on innovation and growth for the health care industry. This collaborative taps into physicians, employees, and industry business partners to incubate and commercialize new medical products and ideas. Comprised of three distinct elements – an innovation lab, an investment fund, and a shared services group (Enterprise Development Group), The Institute strives to “do more, with less, for more people.” Invenio Genetics is one such innovation, founded to work within health care to launch genetic and genomic testing to improve outcomes and reduce cost.
About Imagene Labs
Imagene Labs provides an enterprise genetics analysis platform that enables health care and wellness businesses to create personalized and customized products and services based on individuals’ DNA insights. Their patented ancestry-based genetic risk scoring system (US. Patent No. 10468141) offers improved accuracy in human genetics assessment. The company works with health care services, nutrition, beauty and fitness brands in Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. Headquartered in Singapore where it was founded in 2016, Imagene Labs is the winner of the 2017 Frost & Sullivan SEA Personalized Wellness & Nutritional Genomics Entrepreneurial Company of the Year, and the 2018 Singapore Business Review National Business Awards (Health Products & Services).
Media Contacts
Invenio Genetics Imagene Labs
Micaela Fitzpatrick Reza Harith
Director, Business Development Senior Manager, Marketing & PR
micaela@inveniogenetics.com reza@imagenelabs.com
+1 502 994 4045 +65 6817 2155
