DNA Corporation (official site) is a company that aims to make a large social impact through the study of DNA data. It finds DNA markers for conditions such as ADHD and provides insights for both patients and medical staff.
Their overall goal is to become the best DNA analysis service, and one of their advantages is to use machine learning (“AI”) to find dozens of DNA markers for specific conditions, whereas others only look at a few. This should give DNA Corporation much more nuanced insights that can make a big difference in the outcome.
Their new “Obesity Bank,” or Obesity Gene Testing Kit, service for 2024 focuses on obesity, a growing worldwide issue, including with children. Obesity (the excess of fat in the body) can be diagnosed easily by using a body mass index (BMI) measurement and looking for BMIs above 30.
The company highlights a study published in Nature Genetics that points out that “the heritability of obesity could be as high as 70%,” hence the interest in the genetic aspect of this condition.
An in-depth analysis could shed some light on different reasons why the BMI is high. The root cause of obesity can be multi-faceted and include components that are physical, mental, or hormonal, for example. Each person might have a different mix of causes, and data from Obesity Bank could prompt different treatment ideas or direction to medical professionals.
During my research, I found many obesity factors from different genetic variants such as: the FTO, MCAR and LEP/LEPR genes, Metabolic pathways, Fat storage, Appetite regulation and Exergy expenditure (metabolism).
It does not mean there’s nothing a person can do about their DNA. On the contrary, knowing one’s internal mechanism makes it easier to look for, and find, an efficient BMI control method.
Based on their previous success and the growing challenges posed by obesity worldwide, DNA Corporation expects even more interest in the Obesity Gene Testing Kit launching here at CES 2024. The previous ADHD test is under testing in multiple countries and is sold in South Korea and Vietnam already.
The company points out that another crucial aspect of its product is its cost-efficiency (about $300 per test) since they have a dedicated chip optimized for this type of analysis. Additionally, the intellectual property is mostly in the chip, which makes it easy to control who can use it and where.
Additionally, the analysis requires dry cells, which are easier to collect, store, and transport than blood samples, requiring careful handling and storage to prevent degradation. Additionally, the collection process for dry cell samples is less invasive and time-consuming, reducing overall costs associated with sample collection.
If this approach proves as successful as its creators envision, DNA Corporation will make the big social impact it is hoping for.
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