Nantwich-based Everything Genetic has unveiled plans for further expansion and investment in the life science sector.
Across its cancer and Covid testing, the company has sold more than one million test kits over the past 18 months.
This has created more than 70 new jobs in the area, including new Finance and IT directors.
The company’s founder, James Price, has announced a minority share investment in a novel genetics testing service – Antegenes.
They has also purchased a local IT firm, Value Stream Impact, which will bring resource in house to improve Everything Genetic’s IT provision and the servicing of business clients.
The Antegenes tests can improve patient outcomes for those more genetically predisposed to certain cancers and other complex diseases.
The tests are used to determine the genetic risk and predisposition to four cancer risks, including: breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and skin melanoma.
Everything Genetic’s CEO James Price said the Antegenes investment can “vastly improve patient outcomes” for those likely to develop cancers.
He said: “We’re driven by the belief that democratising access to screening and testing for all is a vital way to both deliver better patient outcomes and ease pressure on our health service.
“Genetic testing for cancer has until now been the preserve of an exclusive few, only available in private clinics with costs running into the thousands.
“But this new investment into the Antegenes service will deliver a cost-effective way to bring down the cost of this novel tech.
“With cancer waiting lists at an all-time high due to the backlog created during the pandemic, the use of screening technology such as polygenic risk testing will really help to alleviate the pressure.”
James Mackay, medical Director at EGL, added: “Although it’s long been understood that genetics plays a part in predisposition to the cancer, this technology gives proven data to demonstrate just how significant a role an individual’s genes might play in the likelihood of them developing cancer.
“And the earlier we can spot that and take preventative measures, the better.
“Cancer outcomes are exponentially improved if we can enact lifestyle changes or take clinical treatment sooner.
“The data from the tests provide three actionable data points for patients, including: absolute risk of developing the specific cancer over the next decade, general population comparison against people the same age, and relative comparison of your risk versus that of the general population.
“We provide pre- and post-test clinical support to ensure patients are fully aware of the implications of the results and what they can to optimise their health, once they’ve received their data.
“For example, for breast cancer results above 1.5-fold risk against the general population, we’d advise a screening programme from the age of 35 and for colorectal cancer above 2.0-fold risk, we’d recommend regular bowel screening for those over 35.
“This technology truly has the potential to turn the old trope of prevention being better than the cure on its head, in identifying predisposition to certain conditions even before prevention.
“It demonstrates an exciting step in the advancement of life sciences and we really can’t wait to see how the technology impacts individual patients’ outcomes across the UK.”
For more information on the testing service, call +44 (0) 1270 699021 or visit www.everythinggeneticltd.co.uk
