Southern Research (SR), in collaboration with MyOme, Inc. and Broad Clinical Labs (BCL), has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing health disparities in Alabama. The program, named Catalyst, will provide Alabamians with free access to genetics-driven clinical risk assessments, empowering patients and healthcare providers with actionable health insights.
Alabama currently ranks 49th in the nation for life expectancy, with an average of 73.2 years. The state also ranks 44th in overall health system performance, with Black and Hispanic Alabamians being disproportionately affected. Heart disease is the leading cause of death, and an estimated 40% of the population either has type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.
The Catalyst program will leverage MyOme’s genetics-driven tests and reports, which utilize BCL’s whole genome sequencing services. These comprehensive assessments will cover various health risks, including cancers, cardiac conditions, metabolic diseases, and responses to commonly prescribed medications.
Patients participating in the program will provide a single sample, granting them access to MyOme’s clinical reports. These reports include screens for rare, single-gene alterations, pharmacogenomics reports for over 70 common medications, and integrated polygenic risk score reports for conditions such as coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between advanced genomic medicine and clinical accessibility. By providing these services free of charge, Catalyst seeks to address healthcare disparities and improve health outcomes across Alabama’s diverse population.
The program is set to launch in October 2024, offering a promising step towards more equitable healthcare in a state that has long struggled with health disparities.
