US biotech company Invitae has launched ID your IRD, to offer free genetic testing to patients suspected by their healthcare providers of having an inherited retinal disease (IRD).
Invitae’s Dr Robert Nussbaum said, "Identifying the genetic cause of an inherited retinal disease can not only provide an accurate genetic diagnosis, but also help patients and clinicians make more informed decisions about their care, including considering gene-specific clinical trial options."
ID your IRD has been developed alongside Spark Therapeutics and offers patients in the US access to a new, broad genetic panel that tests for variants in approximately 250 genes associated with IRDs. The programme offers no-charge genetic testing and access to genetic counsellors to discuss post-test results and next steps.
California-based Invitae’s ultimate goal is ‘to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time, and lower prices’.
