Various aspects of consumer genetics to be discussed at 2nd Annual Consumer Genetics Conference

Should genetic tests be conveniently offered over-the-counter in retail pharmacy stores to consumers or does there need to be more oversight and regulation?

When consumers order DTC genetic tests, how do they interpret the results if they are not working with their doctor or genetic counselor? Should there be guidelines?

Can patients outsmart their genes and prevent or minimize disease manifestation through early disease management? With genetic tests, will patients take charge of their disease destiny?

Why is personalized medicine not yet mainstream? What has delayed its progress and implementation? Is it technology, practice, cost, insurance reimbursement...?

How have the technology and resources promoted originally by the Human Genome Project started to have a major impact on biological research, diagnostic testing and clinical practice?

What are the latest sequencing technology developments and what advantages do they offer?

At the 2nd Annual Consumer Genetics Conference taking place in Boston from June 2-4 at the Hynes Convention Center, these issues will be addressed and preeminent leaders from varying areas of expertise will provide perspectives on these crucial topics that are shaping the way we approach clinical medicine and helping to improve patient outcomes. As consumer genetics becomes a reality and DTC genetic tests are more readily available, a productive exchange is needed to enhance collaboration between the emerging industry and the scientific, medical and academic community. Panel participants at the Consumer Genetics Conference will represent several viewpoints allowing for a broad spectrum of perspectives and lively discussion on the various aspects of consumer genetics.

Forum: 2nd Annual Consumer Genetics Conference
When: Wednesday, June 2 to Friday, June 4
Where: Hynes Convention Center in Boston
Registration & Program Schedule: http://www.consumergeneticsconference.com
Press Registration & Interviews: [email protected] or 508-851-0930

Program Highlights:
• Opening conference keynote on "Consumer Genetics: Where Are We, What is Needed" by George Church, renowned American molecular geneticist and Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School.

• Dietrich Stephan, founder of Ignite Institute, an institute that will serve as the epicenter for personalized health care, will speak on the discovery and utility of biomarkers that will eventually make consumer genetic products, and personalized healthcare a reality.

• The use of genomics in medical practices by physician and author Brandon Colby, MD, whose latest book, "Outsmart Your Genes," is now available in bookstores. It is the first practical book on genetic testing and predictive medicine written for the layperson that separates fact from myth, and provides practical solutions for protecting against disease once a person's genetic risk is assessed. Dr. Colby uses genetic testing in his approach to patient care in his medical practice.

• Mara Aspinall, President and CEO of diagnostic firm On-Q-ity will discuss how the advent of new diagnostics may affect cancer care.

• A session featuring Michael Phillips, Scientific Director of the University of Montreal Pharmacogenomics Center; Michael Snyder, Professor and Chair of Genetics at Stanford University; and Ken Kornman, President and CSO of Interleukin Genetics, will examine the clinical value of biomarkers.

• Michael Weiner, CSO and co-founder of Affomix, will discuss "Back to the MDx Future: The Proteome" as a step beyond DNA- and RNA-based diagnostics to protein-based tests.

• Jay Tiesman, Principal Scientist, Global Biotechnology Division of Procter & Gamble, will present a valuable consumer viewpoint as a leader from a large, consumer-focused company.

• Paul Kim, a Partner at Foley Hoag, will help shed light on how many genetic tests may make their way into the consumer realm.

• Rick Schatzberg, Co-Founder, CEO and President of Generation Health, will discuss how patients' insurance issues may be handled in this new field.

• Jim Weber, renowned for his revolutionary maps of the human genome before the full sequence was available, will discuss the business of building a genetic testing company.

• Paul Billing, Director and CSO of the Genomic Medicine Institute at El Camino Hospital, the nation's first provider of genomic medicine services in a community hospital setting, will speak about the precedents that come with the use of genomic medicine services in patient care in a hospital setting.

• Venture Capitalists from North Bridge Venture Partners and Third Rock Ventures will provide a look at the DTC and Consumer Genetics Industry from an investment perspective and provide venture capital insights.

• CEO Jay Flatley of Illumina will present on the advances in DNA sequencing and moving the technology from bench-to-bedside.

• Greg Lucier, Chairman and CEO of Life Technologies will discuss the clinical utility of DNA sequencing and how sequencing technology is helping to usher in a new era of personalized and genomic medicine.

SOURCE Consumer Genetics Conference