The Helix Research Network Adds 3 New Health System Members. by Fred Pennic 01/16/2025 Leave a Comment. What You Should Know: – Helix, a population genomics and precision health company, announced a significant expansion of its research network with the addition of three prominent health systems: TriHealth, Parkview Health, and Rochester Regional Health. – Each system has committed to enrolling 100,000 participants, bringing the total number of participants in the Helix Research Network to over 300,000, making it the largest and fastest-growing precision clinical research network globally.Democratizing Access to GenomicsThrough their collaboration with Helix, TriHealth, Parkview Health, and Rochester Regional Health are committed to offering genomics services to their patients, regardless of socioeconomic background. Participation in the research network is voluntary and provided at no cost to individuals.Participants will receive valuable clinical insights about their genetic predispositions to various health conditions, including inherited cancers and high cholesterol. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about their health management and potentially enable early detection and prevention of diseases

What You Should Know:– Helix, a leader in population genomics and precision health, and Komodo Health, a leader in healthcare technology and data-driven insights, are partnering to further enrich Helix’s clinico-genomic datasets within the Helix Research Network (HRN) for research and life science partners.– The partnership will add insights derived from medical, pharmacy and mortality data from Komodo’s Healthcare Map®, the industry’s most robust and precise view of longitudinal de-identified patient-level insights.Helix and Komodo Health Partner to Enhance Precision Medicine with Expanded Clinico-Genomic InsightsHelix, the leading organization in population genomics and precision health, is advancing the integration of genomic data into patient care and therapeutic development through a strategic partnership with Komodo Health. By combining Helix’s robust clinico-genomic dataset with Komodo’s Healthcare Map, this collaboration aims to deliver deeper insights into medication usage, treatment adherence, and the total cost of care across diverse conditions.Enhancing Multimodal Data Depth for ResearchThe partnership builds on Helix’s growing Human Research Network (HRN), a dynamic and continuously expanding clinico-genomic registry. Key features include:   •       Extensive Genomic Profiles: A repository of 500,000 whole-exome profiles, with a target to exceed 1.5 million participants from existing health system partnerships by the end of 2025.   •       Data Integration: Regular electronic health record (EHR) updates across cohorts and the ability to recontact participants for future research opportunities.   •       Multimodal Insights: Integration of Komodo’s data to explore patient responses to treatments and develop targeted profiles for therapeutic innovation.HRN’s clinico-genomic database, already the largest hereditary genomic dataset in North America, is on track to become the largest globally by late 2025. Its dynamic design goes beyond static biobank databases by incorporating real-time updates and longitudinal data, offering researchers unparalleled depth and scope.Empowering Drug Development and Precision MedicineThrough this collaboration, life sciences researchers gain access to actionable insights that inform all stages of the drug development lifecycle. The combined datasets enable a better understanding of treatment outcomes, optimized therapeutic development, and enhanced precision in targeted patient care.Dr. James Lu, CEO and co-founder of Helix, emphasized the partnership’s significance: “Augmenting Helix data with Komodo’s Healthcare Map expands our ability to provide researchers with critical insights into treatment patterns and outcomes

What You Should Know:– Helix, a leader in population genomics and precision health, presented groundbreaking research at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2024 Annual Meeting.– The highlight was a novel AI-powered model that predicts the 12-month weight loss response of semaglutide, a popular medication for obesity and type 2 diabetes, in diverse populations.Predicting Weight Loss with PrecisionHelix researchers developed an integrated polygenic risk score that incorporates co-morbid factors like type 2 diabetes and hypertension to predict individual responses to semaglutide treatment. Their findings showed that among those using a 2.4mg dose of semaglutide, individuals in the top quintile of this new score were twice as likely to achieve 10% weight loss compared to those in the bottom quintile.Improving Obesity Treatment with AIThis precision effectiveness model has the potential to revolutionize how obesity is treated. By identifying individuals most likely to respond to semaglutide, healthcare providers can:Personalize treatment plans: Offer tailored recommendations based on individual genetic and clinical factors.Offer tailored recommendations based on individual genetic and clinical factors. Improve shared decision-making: Facilitate informed discussions between patients and providers about the most effective treatment options.Facilitate informed discussions between patients and providers about the most effective treatment options. Predict weight loss outcomes: Provide estimates of expected weight loss and likelihood of response.Provide estimates of expected weight loss and likelihood of response. Optimize dosage: Guide dosage adjustments to balance weight loss goals with potential side effects.Helix Research Network: Powering Precision MedicineThis research was made possible by the Helix Research Network (HRN), a vast and rapidly growing precision clinical research network