When the scientific debate over personal genetic services got a little heated in March, scientists at Navigenics decided to weigh in with our own perspective. Our response is now in print—and the conversation continues.
This particular debate started when prominent federal and international scientists published an article in the American Journal of Human Genetics, criticizing the personalized genetics industry. The study’s authors discussed a number of personal genomics companies, and mentioned Navigenics briefly. The bulk of the study, however, focused on the genetic associations used by seven other personalized genetics companies – a lineup that did not include Navigenics – and found weaknesses in their scientific underpinnings. The researchers further claimed that there isn’t enough scientific evidence to make genomic profiles useful in measuring common disease risk or developing steps for disease prevention.
Scientists at Navigenics read the study, and wanted to set the record straight.