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Lumigenix is an Australian privately held personal genomics and biotechnology company. They offer genetic tests to consumers for health and ancestry using the latest genotyping technology. Their 'Comprehensive' test scans over 700,000 points of variation in the human genome known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are then linked to current scientific research to give reports for 89 diseases and traits, as well as ancestry information. Their medical content is licensed from the Mayo Clinic.
Lumigenix's 'objective is to harness genomics for the wellbeing of people'. Their CEO, Romain Bonjean, said that "knowledge about genetic information will be a keystone of personalised healthcare, and can empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices". [1].
Lumigenix, which has a US licence to carry out risk testing, differs from some of its competitors in not reporting on risk for Alzheimer's disease, genetic markers that carry a high risk for breast cancer, and carrier status for heritable diseases. [2].
There is some controversy surrounding the personal genomics industry. Dr Graeme Suthers, chairman of the Genetics Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, says the tests can give some people a sense of control over their health. And those who play recreational genomics can get a frisson of excitement from delving into their DNA. If a test predicts the slipperiness of earwax, I don't think it is a problem, he says, but adds: If it tells you about your risk of breast cancer or prostate cancer, there is a real issue to make sure the information is something the person actually wants. Suthers is very keen there be a national dialogue on the issue, because Australian regulations cannot prevent people ordering overseas testing on the internet. He says well-informed consumers, who understand the pros and cons of genetic tests, are the best defence.[3]
Romain Bonjean disagrees with what he sees as a patriarchal attitude by some experts that people do not have the capability to understand what they are signing up for. We believe today's consumers are fairly well educated, he says. [4] . This patriarchal attitude has been discussed by others in the field. [5]
References
edit- ^ http://www.smh.com.au/world/science/test-lets-genome-out-of-the-bottle-20110107-19it2.html.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ http://www.smh.com.au/world/science/test-lets-genome-out-of-the-bottle-20110107-19it2.html.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/exploring-the-genetic-jungle-can-be-fraught-with-danger-20110107-19it9.html.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ http://www.smh.com.au/world/science/test-lets-genome-out-of-the-bottle-20110107-19it2.html.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/02/american-medical-association-you-cant-look-at-your-genome-without-our-supervision/.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help)
External links
edit- Lumigenix official website
- Blog post of Lumigenix customer, February 2011 [1]
See also
edit- Single-nucleotide polymorphism
- Personal genomics
- Predictive medicine
- deCODEme, a company offering a service similar to Lumigenix
- 23andMe, a company offering a similar service to Lumigenix