Video: Helix Co-founder Justin Kao on Genomics for the Masses

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Whole-genome sequencing is available, but consumers aren’t demanding it. What’s missing? Contextual, actionable insights. Watch the video.

Justin Kao

Thanks to advances in technology, the price to sequence the human genome has dropped from millions to hundreds of dollars. Whole-genome sequencing is now within financial reach of the masses.

But without contextual insights -- personalized to an individual’s life and daily patterns -- the mapping doesn’t mean much; and that is why the masses are not lining up for genomic mapping. So says Justin Kao, co-founder of Helix, a personal genomics company dedicated to empowering every person to improve their life through DNA. Helix partners with health and wellness organizations to translate genomic sequencing into consumer products.

In this video, captured at the 2016 Oliver Wyman Health Innovation Summit, Justin discusses the need to deliver genomic insights in a way that is compelling and useful; and he makes the point that it’s time to move away from the world of clinical reporting to the age of consumer-friendly tools and products that drive engagement and lead to healthier lifestyles.

Consumers typically don’t wake up in the morning saying ‘Gosh, if only I had my genome,’” Justin explains. “But people have use cases.”

Watch the video below.

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  • Justin Kao