GENinCode enters collaboration with US Family Heart Foundation

GENinCode announced a collaboration with the Family Heart Foundation, UT Southwestern, and other partners on Friday, to implement its LIPID inCode genetic test for diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in primary and secondary care settings across the United States.

The AIM-traded firm said the initiative, supported by a US Department of Defense grant and titled DISCOVER FH, was designed to improve early diagnosis of FH through family screening and advanced diagnostic tools.

It said the LIPID inCode test would be used to identify patients with both monogenic and polygenic hypercholesterolemia, providing critical information to physicians about their patients' risk of coronary heart disease.

The programme would focus on cascade screening - testing family members of diagnosed individuals to detect others who may be affected.

GENinCode said such a proactive approach was crucial, as early identification and treatment with cholesterol-lowering therapies could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The programme will operate within two major healthcare systems - UT Southwestern Medical Center and the VA North Texas Health Care system.

On confirmation of FH in a patient, the Family Heart Foundation would reach out to at-risk family members to educate them and facilitate genetic testing.

FH, an inherited condition affecting around one in 250 people globally, leads to extremely high levels of LDL cholesterol from birth, dramatically increasing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Despite its prevalence, less than 30% of individuals with FH in the US had been identified, highlighting a need for comprehensive screening programmes.

“The collaboration with the Family Heart Foundation continues to expand the use of LIPID inCode testing to identify patients at high risk of heart disease representing the largest cause of death globally,” said chief executive officer Matthew Walls.

“We are now extending implementation of LIPID inCode to other US institutions for the roll-out and adoption of our leading polygenic test.

“We look forward to supporting the Family Heart Foundation in reaching its long-term goal to diagnose patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and provide earlier risk assessment of CVD to improve health outcomes.”

At 1344 BST, shares in GENinCode were down 3.7% at 6.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.