Our California license is only the first step

This week, we’re pleased to share an important piece of news about the work we do in our home state. After working closely with California regulators to satisfy all of their questions about our genetic health service, Navigenics has received a state license signifying our full compliance with the state’s laboratory requirements.

When news first appeared of the state’s inquiries earlier this summer, some observers wondered if our discussions with the state might prove challenging, requiring changes in the ways we offer our service or think about the health potential of DNA analyses. We didn’t focus on those concerns.

Meeting regulatory requirements has been a central part of Navigenics from the very beginning, and we have been intent on working closely with both state and federal regulators to address any issues. When questions arose in California, we were more than prepared to meet them. Along the way, state officials were incredibly responsive. They worked quickly to help us resolve the licensing issue.

This outcome in California is great news. But we also know that it is only the first step. Many important questions about the new field of personal genetics still need to be addressed at a national level.

That is why we have participated in discussions with national lawmakers, and will continue to join in their efforts to craft effective policy for this new industry. As a key step, we are also working with the Personalized Medicine Coalition on a conference in January. It will focus on patients and providers and explore their priorities, expectations and concerns in this new age of personalized medicine.

This work is an essential part of our service and our company. It is why we announced a standards-setting effort the same day we launched our service. We would like to help the field of personal genetics enjoy the trust of the public, physicians, and lawmakers.

Our resolution in California is an important step in that direction. We look forward to working on more such progress across the country, and at the national level.