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OPKO Health's GeneDx Adds GenomeXpress to Its Industry-Leading Clinical Genomics Portfolio
GenomeXpress is a rapid genome sequencing test, reporting results within approximately seven days GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GeneDx,
About this update from Opko Health, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"GenomeXpress is a rapid genome sequencing test, reporting results within approximately seven days\n\n\nGAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GeneDx, Inc., a subsidiary of BioReference Laboratories, Inc., an OPKO Health company (NASDAQ:OPK), today announced the launch of GenomeXpress, a rapid genome sequencing test. Verbal GenomeXpress results of pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic variants in known disease causing genes are delivered to the ordering healthcare provider within approximately seven days after the start of testing. A written report for all confirmed variants is sent to the provider within approximately 14 days after start of testing. With the addition of GenomeXpress, GeneDx expands its industry-leading clinical genomics portfolio to now include three rapid sequencing options. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nGenome sequencing is a test used to identify variations in any part of the genome and is an important tool for diagnosing genetic diseases. By including both protein-coding and non-coding regions of the human genome including promoter, intronic, and untranslated regions, GenomeXpress allows for the detection of characterized/pathogenic variants in regions that are not assessed by exome sequencing. Genetic changes can cause over 13,000 different diseases and patients often present with overlapping symptoms.1 Finding the correct diagnosis is not always straight-forward and may require multiple tests, costly evaluations, invasive procedures and long hospital stays. A rapid diagnosis can alter management, shorten the length of hospital stays, reduce healthcare costs and save lives. \n\"With the new offering of GenomeXpress, we are advancing healthcare,\" said Jane Juusola, Ph.D., FACMG, Director of Clinical Genomics for GeneDx. \"Rapid genome sequencing paired with GeneDx's massive and ever-expanding genomic database provides clinicians, patients and their families with more meaningful information. As our database grows, we are better able to distinguish likely pathogenic variants from likely benign variants and subsequently identify new disease-causing genes. Every patient who receives a GenomeXpress test will benefit from both our current and future knowledge of genetic disease.\"\n\"New and emerging scientific understanding is an imperative aspect of genomics,\" said Adam Logal, President of GeneDx and Chief...