Vantari Genetics, a clinical diagnostics laboratory that provides esoteric genetic testing and contract research services, and Translational Software, a health IT firm that works in the use of genomic data for clinical decision support, are partnering to provide genotype testing, actionable genomic information and custom reporting in support of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s GeneMatch registry.

GeneMatch is a national program that leverages genetic testing information to recruit participants for Alzheimer’s prevention studies. “We are grateful to be part of a talented, multidisciplinary team supporting a clinical study infrastructure to help the Banner Azheimer’s Institute enroll and genotype volunteers to advance Alzheimer’s research.”

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Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The most common form of the disease is called late-onset Alzheimer’s, which usually begins after age 65 and is associated with a gene called apolipoprotein E (APOE).

Vantari Genetics and Translational Software are collaborating to support the GeneMatch program by APOE testing and interpreting the cheek swabs of volunteers interested in participating in community-based Alzheimer’s research opportunities.

The raw genomic and molecular data from the tests is analyzed to provide scientific intelligence about the genetic variants of volunteers, which is used to identify study participants at varying degrees of genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s to match them to available research studies.

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The companies will work together to provide Banner Alzheimer’s Institute with in-depth analysis of the APOE data in multiple, customized formats which will be used to help scientists identify early brain changes in participants, and compare the effectiveness of treatments for people with different APOE profiles.

“Our genomic platform is very flexible, which allows us to offer unique genomic testing solutions and data reporting capabilities that can be customized to support single gene testing, in-depth interpretation and analysis, and the integration of independent clinical research,” said Don Rule, CEO of Translational Software.

Twitter: @SiwickiHealthIT
Email the writer: bill.siwicki@himssmedia.com