Claritas Genomics and NextCODE have established a collaboration to support rare disease clinical care.  Combining robust sequencing with integrated diagnostic capabilities, the partnership aims to accelerate and augment the services provided to leading pediatric care organizations.

Today we have a tremendous opportunity to use the data being generated from genome sequencing to address the mysteries of rare genetic diseases affecting children. Though these diseases individually are rare, according to Global Genes, an estimated 7,000 different types of rare diseases affect more than 30 million people in the U.S., roughly half of whom are children.

To conduct diagnostic testing for pediatric genetic disorders, leading children’s hospitals are collaborating with specialized laboratories, including Claritas Genomics, a recognized leader in specialized pediatric genetic testing affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital, part of the Harvard Medical School system.

The real opportunity lies in the analysis of raw genomic sequence data to identify patterns or markers of a rare disease. While it has been theoretically possible to use genomic sequencing to diagnose most rare diseases, a major hurdle has been in integrating dynamic informatics tools that can quickly interpret the data into accurate diagnostic insights and, ultimately, treatment options.

This is why Claritas Genomics and NextCODE have today established a collaboration, enhancing their collective capabilities to support rare disease clinical care. Combining robust sequencing with integrated diagnostic capabilities, the partnership will aim to accelerate and augment the services provided to leading pediatric care organizations.  Claritas has established a wide range of tests for genes known to be associated with pediatric disorders, which NextCODE is integrating into its clinical interface, resulting in accurate, reliable clinical reports. Learn more about NextCODE’s pioneering activities here.

Enabling this rapid, integrated approach to genomics-based care for rare diseases holds great promise for the community and for the many families who are anxiously seeking answers to these mysterious diseases.