NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Cerner and Claritas Genomics said today that they will partner on a personalized medicine initiative to better integrate next-generation sequencing-based diagnostics into healthcare.
Claritas will use Cerner's Millenium Helix solution — a laboratory information system designed specifically for molecular data and genetic information — and will join Cerner's Reference Lab Network so that other Reference Lab Network partners can order and obtain results from Claritas.
Claritas, a spinout of Boston Children's Hospital that was formed in February 2013, offers genetic tests for pediatric diseases, offers exome sequencing on Life Technologies' Ion Proton system, and is developing additional tests on the Proton.
Also as part of the agreement, Cerner's wholly owned subsidiary Cerner Capital has invested in Claritas, becoming a minority shareholder, and bringing Claritas' Series A financing round to a close. In addition, Clay Patterson, managing director of Cerner Capital, has joined the Claritas board of directors.
"Cerner has long focused on the power of genomics and its impact to clinical processes, and this relationship will help advance the field and define a meaningful narrative in personalized medicine between the realms of research, diagnostics, and clinical practice," Dick Flanigan, senior vice president of Cerner, said in a statement.
"One of Claritas' goals is to enable providers at any pediatric center or practice to use genomics in routine medical care," Claritas CEO Patrice Milos said in the statement. "As a leading provider of both laboratory management systems and EMR systems in the world, Cerner has decades of experience synthesizing complex medical information across organizations to inform patient care and we are extremely pleased to have them as a strategic partner."