By Diagnostics World Staff
November 2, 2016 | Good Start Genetics announced it has launched its VeriYou genetic test for couples on Amazon. VeriYou is the Company’s saliva-based, NGS carrier screening test for two of the most common inherited genetic disorders: cystic fibrosis (CF) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Carrier screening is an important option for couples, since one in every 19 people in the U.S. carries a CF or SMA mutation that could be passed on to their children. If both partners carry a variant for the same disorder, there is a 25% chance the child will be born with the disorder.
Good Start Genetics launched the VeriYou genetic test in October.
“By bringing clinical-grade NGS testing to Amazon for $149, we believe we can vastly improve awareness, access, and broaden the adoption of carrier screening for millions of couples starting a family. With Amazon’s analytics and information engine, we have the opportunity to bring the right test to the right individual at the right time—a key promise of personalized medicine,” said Jeffrey R. Luber, President and CEO of Good Start Genetics in a statement.
As the first genetic testing company with a direct Amazon relationship (in contrast to tests sold solely through third parties), Good Start is positioned to offer its physicianordered genetic tests to couples at the right time, based on life stage insights from Amazon. The ubiquity and convenience of Amazon’s marketplace, paired with Good Start’s proprietary and low-cost NGS platform, will reduce barriers to enable access to millions of couples starting a family.