TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--G-TAC Co., Ltd. and M3, Inc. (an associated company of SONY) announced a strategic business partnership with Pathway Genomics to market fourteen tests including CancerIntercept™, BRCATrue®, PathwayFit®, SkinFit™ and other genetic tests through G-TAC’s genomics network of over 20,000 physicians in Japan.
Genomics and Personalized Medicine
The cost of genome sequencing is rapidly decreasing and has enabled us to utilize the technology for actual clinical purpose. For example, in 2003 when the Human Genome Project was completed, the cost was three billion USD and it took thirteen years to analyze the data. Today the cost would be 1,000 USD and data analysis would be complete within a day. With this dramatic advancement in genome sequencing technology, there are more clinical efforts to offer accurate, individualized assessment of inherited disease risk to provide personalized health management and preventative medicine.
Genomics in the US: One Step Ahead of Japan
One of the countries that leads this growing movement is the United States. Advanced hospitals and clinics have applied personalized medicine such as genetic cancer testing, pharmacogenomics and preventative treatments that are genetically personalized for disease risk and health and wellness. This, combined with President Obama’s “Precision Medicine Initiative,” has led to increased research and focus among public and private sectors.
Pathway Genomics: A Pioneer of Genetic Testing in the US
The genomics industry in the US is composed of a number of revolutionary companies, one of the most advanced of which is Pathway Genomics. Since their founding in 2008, the company has developed a broad scope of specialized genetic testing services to assess cancer risk, cardiac health, inherited diseases, nutrition and exercise response and medication response. Currently Pathway provides genetic testing services in over 40 countries. They are also committed to developing innovative services such as a health app powered by IBM Watson’s artificial intelligence and a cutting-edge liquid biopsy test that may detect, identify and monitor most major cancers through the use of a simple blood test.
M3, G-TAC and Pathway: Genomics Partnering for Success
From July 20, 2016, M3 and G-TAC will begin promoting fourteen of Pathway’s genetic tests through “m3.com,” which is the largest physician network in Japan, and “g-tac.me,” which is a platform of genomics and personalized medicine for consumers and physicians. Additionally in an effort to support patients wherever they reside, G-TAC will provide tele-medicine counseling with licensed genetic experts who will follow up on test results.
Comments
Jim Plante, Pathway Genomics CEO:
“It is a great honor to be affiliated with G-TAC and their network of 20,000 leading physicians and 100 hospitals. Our organizations share a deep mutual commitment to ensuring that patients can access and benefit from the most advanced scientific treatments available in the world today.”
Shotaro Uematsu, G-TAC CEO/ President of Genome Business Group at M3:
“It is a pleasure to announce our partnership with Pathway Genomics, who leads this field with innovative technologies such as their smartphone genome app with artificial intelligence and liquid biopsy testing. With thorough localization in Japan, we will be able to provide convenient access for physicians and consumers to the world’s leading genomic and personalized medicine diagnostics.“
About Pathway Genomics
Founded in 2008, Pathway Genomics has rapidly become a leader in the commercial healthcare industry. Pathway Genomics’ success lies in its commitment to deliver innovative healthcare solutions. The company’s smartphone app developed with IBM Watson is the first of its kind and merges artificial intelligence and personal genetic information to provide users with personalized health and wellness knowledge based on the individual’s health history.
Based in San Diego, the company’s CLIA and CAP accredited clinical laboratory provides physicians and their patients with actionable and accurate precision healthcare information to improve, or maintain, health and wellness. Pathway Genomics’ testing services are available in more than 40 different countries and cover a variety of conditions including cancer risk, cardiac health, inherited diseases, nutrition and exercise response, as well as drug response for specific medications including those used in pain management and mental health.
For more about Pathway Genomics, visit www.pathway.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
About G-TAC Co., Ltd & M3
G-TAC’s corporate mission is to advance the development of genomics and personalized medicine. With the concept of “Know and create yourself through genomics,” G-TAC provides informed, actionable information for both physicians and consumers. M3 Inc. was established in September 2000 under the service name of So-net, with Sony Communications Network Corporation, a supplier of network-related services, as the largest stockholder. M3 was founded with the goal of changing the world of medicine through making full use of the power of the Internet.
By utilizing the “m3.com” platform, G-TAC has access the largest physician portal in Japan. They are able to reach 80,000 unique users and a network of 20,000 physicians, or “G-TAC members,” who have established interest in genomic medicine. Additionally, G-TAC provides tele-medicine counseling through “G-TAC (https://g-tac.me),” with licensed genetic experts who follow-up on test results with patients who are connected to over 100 hospitals and clinics all over Japan.
For more information about M3 visit http://corporate.m3.com/en. For more information about G-TAC, visit https://g-tac.co.jp.
