Veritas Genetics is a personal genomics startup based in Danvers, Massachusetts.[1] According to the company's press release, it was among the first companies to offer whole genome sequencing and interpretation for under $1,000.[2]

Veritas Genetics
Company typePrivate
IndustryBiotechnology
Personal genomics
Founded2014
FoundersGeorge M. Church
Mirza Cifric
Preston Estep
Jonathan Zhao
Headquarters,
Key people
Mirza Cifric (CEO)
Preston Estep (Chief Scientific Officer)
ProductsmyGenome
Websitewww.veritasgenetics.com

It was co-founded in 2014 by George M. Church, Mirza Cifric, Preston Estep, and Jonathan Zhao.[3]

In 2018, the company launched its flagship product, myGenome, with the stated goal of providing consumers with information about their inherited genetic risk including cancer, cardiovascular and carrier status, reaction to certain medications (pharmacogenomics) and more, all based on whole-genome sequencing results. The company further reduced to cost of whole genome sequencing to only $199 per order during a promotional period which attracted media attention, as this promotional price was far below traditional prices for consumer-grade genome sequencing at the time.[1][4][5][6][7]

CNBC included the company on its Disruptor 50 list in 2018[1] and 2019.[8]

In December 2019, the company announced that it was considering strategic options.[9]

In January 2020, the company reversed course and announced that it had obtained further funding, would resume U.S. operations.[10]

In March 2022, Veritas was acquired by leading global digital health provider LetsGetChecked.[11]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Veritas Genetics 2018 Disruptor 50". CNBC. 2018-05-22. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
  2. ^ "Veritas Genetics Breaks $1,000 Whole Genome Barrier" (Press release).
  3. ^ "Why Are We Here?". Veritas Genetics. Retrieved 2019-07-01.
  4. ^ Khan, Razib; Mittelman, David (December 2018). "Consumer genomics will change your life, whether you get tested or not". Genome Biology. 19 (1): 120. doi:10.1186/s13059-018-1506-1. ISSN 1474-760X. PMC 6100720. PMID 30124172.
  5. ^ Regalado, Antonio (2016-03-04). "One DNA Test to Rule Them All". MIT Technology Review. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
  6. ^ Molteni, Megan (2018-11-19). "Now You Can Sequence Your Whole Genome for Just $200". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
  7. ^ Andrews, Joe (2019-07-01). "23andMe competitor Veritas Genetics slashes price of whole genome sequencing 40% to $600". CNBC. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
  8. ^ "Veritas 2019 Disruptor 50". CNBC. 2019-05-15. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
  9. ^ Farr, Christina (2019-12-05). "Veritas Genetics, the start-up that can sequence a human genome for less than $600, ceases US operations and is in talks with potential buyers". CNBC. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  10. ^ "Veritas Genetics Restarts US Business With Near-Term Financing". GenomeWeb. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  11. ^ "LetsGetChecked to Acquire Veritas Genetics and Veritas Intercontinental to Unlock the Future of Personalized At-Home Healthcare".
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