Birmingham Launches Innovative Genetic Testing Initiative to Improve Health for Alabamians

Birmingham Launches New Genetic Testing Initiative for Alabamians

Birmingham, AL – Southern Research has announced an exciting new initiative aimed at improving the health of Alabamians through free genetic testing. The initiative, named “Catalyst”, is designed to provide residents across the state with access to advanced genetic testing that can inform both patients and healthcare providers about various disease risk factors.

The primary focus of the initiative will be on coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer. It aims to help people understand their health risks and take preventative measures, all while also guiding those already living with chronic diseases on the best treatments tailored specifically for them. “The goal is to offer all Alabamians access to the cutting-edge technologies that can hopefully improve their health and their medical outcomes,” said Josh Carpenter, D.Phil., CEO of Southern Research.

Reaching All Corners of Alabama

One of the pivotal aims of Catalyst is to ensure that these innovative health technologies reach not just urban centers but also rural and underserved communities throughout Alabama. “There are 67 counties in the State of Alabama but too often the residents of just the four or five largest counties are the ones to get access to precision medicine. Today changes that,” Carpenter added.

As part of the initiative, community events will be held in various locations including Selma, Tuskegee, Demopolis, Jasper, Florence, Dothan, and Mobile. These events will inform patients, healthcare providers, and local leaders about the new testing available. Residents can sign up for testing online, and primary care providers will need to create profiles to access results and order testing kits. In cases where individuals do not have a primary care doctor, Catalyst will assist in connecting them with one.

How the Testing Works

As part of the Catalyst initiative, once a patient’s primary care physician has ordered a testing kit, a blood sample will be taken and sent to the Center for Clinical and Translational Science in Birmingham. The sample will then undergo sequencing and analysis via the MyOme Personal Genome test, which leverages polygenic risk score technology and pharmacogenomics to inform patient care.

Dr. Khalilah Brown, vice president of Medical Affairs and Patient Advocacy for Southern Research, explained that with the ordering of the test, every patient and provider will have access to free genomic counseling. This is intended to help them understand their genetic test results and any associated risks.

Addressing Health Disparities

In addition to genetic testing, Catalyst participants will undergo a Social Determinants of Health Screening that evaluates non-medical factors that can affect health outcomes. This information allows healthcare providers to work with patients to create a personalized treatment plan, potentially leading to better health outcomes for both current and future patients.

According to Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s State Health Officer, approximately 3 million of the 5 million residents in Alabama live with some form of chronic disease, with around 1 million having multiple chronic conditions. Chronic diseases often impact the quality of life and are a significant financial burden to the state, costing over $13 billion annually.

Economic Opportunities Through Health Innovation

Beyond health benefits, the Catalyst initiative is also expected to boost the state’s economy. With the clinical trials industry projected to reach $80 billion by 2030, the initiative holds promise for attracting investment and creating high-paying jobs in Alabama’s rapidly growing biomedical sector.

“If we increased clinical trial expenditures in this state by 20%, specifically in the non-major metro areas, we could grow as many as 1,200 jobs,” Carpenter explained. He emphasized the importance of broadening clinical trials in Alabama, allowing for greater diversity in the data that informs treatment options.

Looking Ahead

The Catalyst initiative, funded by $20 million from American Rescue Plan Funds and an additional $5 million from the City of Birmingham, has already gained the necessary approvals to start. Southern Research is also seeking sustainable funding sources to ensure the long-term success and impact of this important program.

With its focus on delivering advanced genetic testing to all Alabamians, Catalyst aims to not only enhance individual health outcomes but also drive innovation and economic growth across the entire state.