SALT LAKE CITY — Intermountain Primary Hospital will host the world's largest pediatric DNA mapping effort ever to be undertaken, the HerediGene: Children's Study, to help them access future treatments and possible cures for genetic disorders.
“This tremendous undertaking . . . will transform our ability to diagnose and even prevent future diseases in children and families, representing the most compassionate application of precision medicine today,” said Lincoln Nadauld, MD, PhD, oncologist and vice president and chief of precision health and academics at Intermountain Healthcare.
The study will involve the voluntary collection of 50,000 DNA samples of children as young as newborns, as well as their parents and siblings who wish to participate.
“Discoveries from the study can be combined with extensive clinical data at Intermountain Healthcare and research insights from University of Utah Health. With this comprehensive approach . . . potentials for cures can emerge,” added Josh Bonkowsky, professor of Pediatrics at University of Utah Health and director of Primary Children’s Center for Personalized Medicine.
Participation is free and confidential, though some participants will have the option to receive their genetic results report if a clinically significant gene mutation is identified.
To find out how to participate or learn more about the study, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/heredigene.
