In the United States, they created a test to detect diseases and assess the intelligence of an unborn child before IVF
'12.11.2019'
Source: Vc.ru
The American startup Genomic Prediction developed the LifeView test to determine the genetic predispositions and mental abilities of an unborn child. Startup offers a test for couples who are planning IVF.
Genomic Prediction claims that with the help of DNA it can determine the predisposition of the embryo to 11 diseases and predict the low level of intelligence of the child. The test will be carried out before implantation of the embryo into the uterus. Writes about this Vc.ru.
The study is conducted on several cells extracted from the embryo before IVF. Genomic Prediction measures the DNA of an embryo in several hundred thousand genetic positions. After that, specialists generate statistics by which it is possible to determine the likelihood of a child becoming ill at later stages of life.
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The start-up is a “grades sheet” for the embryo, with the help of which future parents can choose a child. The results contain estimates of predisposition to diabetes, heart attack and five types of cancer.
So far, health prediction is the main result of such tests. As for the future mental abilities of the child, while the company warns that here it can only predict mental retardation and IQ below 70 points.
At the same time, the startup does not give any guarantees. The legal disclaimer states that testing is "NOT diagnostic."
Researchers interviewed by the publication criticized the development of the company.
“It is irresponsible to believe that science is at a stage where we can accurately predict the future of the embryo. There is simply no such science yet, ”said Graham Coop, a geneticist at the University of California.
In May 2019, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem published a report stating that the effectiveness of such tests is low. The authors of the study concluded that the polygenic method for determining the tallest or cleverest child in the embryo group will help determine the difference only in 2,5 cm or three IQ points.
The company has been working on the project since 2017, while it is at the preliminary stage, but already has its first customers. Their number of startups does not disclose. In the near future, Genomic Prediction plans to present a study on the first results.
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Reproduction centers do not yet use the services of the company. Future parents will learn about the company from friends, from the news or from the Genomic Prediction flyers from doctors. In October 2019, the company presented its development at the annual meeting of reproductologists in Philadelphia. The banner ad on the stand read: “She has a smile and the ears of your partner. Only without the risk of diabetes. ”
Genomic Prediction has raised $ 4,5 million of venture capital since its founding in 2017. Investors include People Fund, Arab Angel, Passport Capital and Sam Altman, chairman of the board of Y Combinator and CEO of OpenAI.
The startup is founded and headed by Laurent Tellier. He was inspired to create the test by the science fiction film Gattaka, writes MIT Technology Review. Together with him on the project are the chief research officer of the company and the teacher of reproductive genetics at Rutgers University Nathan Treff and professor of theoretical physics at Michigan State University Stephen Hsu.
