GeneDx Announces Collaboration with Epic Aura to Expand Access to Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing (rWGS) Services to Inform Diagnosis in Affected Pediatric and Neonatal Patients

Core Insights - GeneDx is focusing on expanding its rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) services, particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), to improve patient outcomes and streamline access for health systems [5][9] - The company has experienced an 80% year-over-year increase in its rapid testing business, with 11 states now offering Medicaid coverage for these services [1][9] - GeneDx has built one of the largest proprietary genomic datasets, having sequenced over 600,000 clinical exomes and genomes, which enhances its ability to provide clinically actionable results [3][11] Business Expansion - The collaboration with Epic aims to integrate rWGS services into health systems using Epic's electronic health records (EHR), thereby increasing the commercial footprint of GeneDx [5][9] - The company is committed to ensuring access to genomic testing for all patients and is investing in understanding clinical utility across broader populations [7][11] Clinical Impact - GeneDx is involved in the SeqFirst study at the University of Washington, which examines the impact of rWGS on care for critically ill infants, promoting equitable access to genetic diagnosis [2][10] - Initial data from the GUARDIAN study indicates that 2.6% of newborns screened had true positive outcomes, suggesting the potential for widespread adoption of WGS at birth to accelerate diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases [7][11]