The Garvan Institute in Australia has launched a new whole-genome sequencing and comprehensive health assessment service, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
"Today's launch is a major milestone towards transforming our health system into one based on truly individualized information … and one that focuses on prevention rather than treating disease," Marcel Dinger, the CEO of Genome.One, tells the paper.
The Genome.One service runs Aus$6,400 (US$4,855) and can tell users their risk of developing some 30 cancer types and a dozen heart conditions, it adds. In addition, it predicts how customers might react to some 220 medications. Dinger also tells Radio Sydney's Robbie Buck that the test is accompanied by genetic counseling and only reports back on risks where there are known treatments or steps people can take to reduce their chances of developing disease.
The Sydney Morning Herald points out that, with its price tag, the "service is geared towards those who can afford to pay for it and [who take] a highly proactive approach to their health."