Prenome: Predicting and Managing Gestational Diabetes

Addressing Invasive Diagnostics in Women's Healthcare

Stevie Cline, a co-founder of Prenome, expresses concern regarding the often intrusive nature of diagnostic procedures for women, despite advancements in technology and healthcare. This led her and former colleague Sarah Brozio to establish a startup focused on delivering valuable insights to women without the need for invasive examinations.

Prenome's Innovative Approach

Prenome, currently participating in the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield, is introducing a genetic test utilizing saliva samples. This test is coupled with a behavioral application designed to assist women in managing gestational diabetes, a prevalent condition during pregnancy.

The foundation of Prenome’s progress lies in comprehensive data collection. In May, the company initiated recruitment for the OneInSeven clinical study, focusing on individuals with a history of gestational diabetes.

This data is being leveraged to refine the accuracy of information regarding women’s health, ensuring representation of the diverse female population within the United States.

Predictive Accuracy and Risk Assessment

Upon obtaining a genetic risk score, Prenome integrates it with a risk score derived from social determinants. These determinants encompass factors such as past trauma, income level, and access to grocery stores.

By combining these elements, Prenome asserts a 90% accuracy in predicting gestational diabetes, an improvement over the current 80% benchmark.

Gestational diabetes was specifically chosen due to its significant genetic component. Cline highlights its predictability and preventability, allowing Prenome to identify at-risk individuals and offer early interventions.

Expanding Beyond Gestational Diabetes

The technology developed for managing gestational diabetes will serve as a foundation for addressing related conditions, including infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Understanding the Complexity of Genetic Health

“The common misconception is that genetic diseases stem from a single gene, like Down Syndrome or Cystic Fibrosis,” Brozio explained. “However, this is rarely the case for most health conditions.”

A key objective of the biobank is to identify triggers within women’s health conditions through extensive data analysis. Genetic health, similar to hormonal health, is intricate but crucial for understanding the connections between these conditions.

A Focus on Actionable Insights

Prenome emphasizes a commitment to only testing for conditions where interventions or improvements are possible.

“We will not offer tests for risks like Alzheimer’s in later life, as there are currently limited preventative measures,” Cline stated. “If we identify a high risk, it’s because there are steps that can be taken to improve the situation, intervene, and provide support.”

Progress and Future Plans

Over the past year, Prenome has filed patents for both its testing method and overall methodology. The company also intends to publish research findings from its OneInSeven Study.

The saliva-based test, targeted for release in 2022, is currently pursuing CLIA-certification, enabling physicians to order it for their patients. Ultimately, Prenome aims for FDA-approval to allow direct-to-consumer access.

Cline emphasizes the importance of physician involvement, stating, “It’s crucial to ensure doctors feel integrated into the women’s health process, not excluded.”

Investment and Support

Prenome’s early achievements have garnered attention and investment, totaling $1 million from firms including Cleo Capital, OnDeck’s Runway Fund, Johns Hopkins University, Wing VC, First In Ventures and A-Level Capital.