Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Illumina Partner to Gain Better Understanding of Precision Medicine Trends

Project to focus on genetic testing technologies to expand access to personalized medicine

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Nov 08, 2018, 09:00 ET

CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and Illumina, Inc. today announced an important partnership to determine the availability and clinical understanding of DNA sequencing technologies, genetic testing and precision medicine across the country in an effort to provide patients with expanded access to personalized medicine.

"Precision medicine is transforming how we think about treating and preventing disease. We can no longer view health care as a one-size-fits-all approach," said Dr. Trent Haywood, senior vice president and chief medical officer for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. "Through our partnership with Illumina, we'll have a better understanding of how precision medicine is being used so we can avoid inequities by ensuring all Americans have access to these lifesaving treatments that are tailored to their individual health needs."

Leveraging their unique data capabilities, BCBSA and Illumina plan to analyze the use and availability of DNA sequencing and genomic testing across the country to identify areas where people can access these services and areas where there is limited access. As part of this collaboration, the two organizations will produce a report and offer precision medicine educational programs to health care providers in areas where people would most benefit from this technology.

"We understand that health care providers need to be educated on both the clinical accuracy and usefulness of next generation sequencing (NGS)," said Phillip G. Febbo, M.D., Illumina's chief medical officer and senior vice president. "Illumina is thrilled to work with BCBSA on this critical initiative, which we believe will positively impact both health care providers and patients."

The joint report on precision medicine utilization is expected to be completed by early 2019.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index^sm. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, and follow us on Twitter.

About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as the global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit www.illumina.com and follow @illumina.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield Association