DNA Holdings, Prenetics set to offer genomic services in PH
Biotech firm DNA Holdings Corp. has teamed up with Alibaba-backed global genetic testing and digital health firm Prenetics to launch preventive and digital genomic services in the Philippines by the fourth quarter of 2020.
The partnership grants DNA Holdings the exclusive rights to provide Prenetics genetic services in the country. The goal is to reach 100,000 Filipinos within the next three years.
Prenetics operates its direct-to-consumer genomics business via its two brands, CircleDNA and DNAFit. The company has a team of over 150 people and is operational in 10 offices globally, including Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, United Kingdom and in South Africa.DNA tests such as CircleDNA look into the genetic code of an individual, which can reveal information such as optimal diet and nutrition, and can also identify diseases an individual may be predisposed to. If an individual is prone to certain diseases, many of these can be prevented or delayed with the proper diet and lifestyle intervention using valuable health insights from DNA testing.
Such insights are seen to open up to precision medicine where healthcare, medical decisions, treatment, products and practices are tailored to an individual’s DNA. “This timely partnership will bring affordable, accessible and accurate world-class DNA testing to the Philippines,” DNA Holdings president and chief executive officer Robert Van Zwieten said in a press statement on Tuesday. “These genetic tests allow people to live in the know. They will lower the total cost of healthcare not just for the patient but for the nation. Through these tests we can help Filipinos prevent hereditary disease through early prevention. We hope to eventually integrate genetic diagnostics into Philhealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.)”
“We are extremely excited to partner with DNA Holdings in bringing innovative and proven DNA technologies to the Philippine market. It has always been our mission to empower everyone to be in control of their own health, and with DNA Holdings’ track record of success in the Philippines, we believe we can be market leaders in a very short amount of time,” said Danny Yeung, CEO at Prenetics. INQ
