With technologies like CRISPR, it is possible to imagine a world where genetic diseases fade into obscurity. Gene editing technologies may not have reached their potential yet, but many people see it as around the corner. Cystic fibrosis, for example, may be a condition made extinct by such technologies. As the possibilities grow, however, so does a concern. This future applies to maybe 7% of the world’s population. Low to middle-income countries where cures are most needed are least likely to be able to afford or support them. As a step forward, a team from the University of Michigan created an app to bring medical genetics to low income communities. Keep reading to learn more, or follow the original story here for more details.
MiGene
The Android-based mobile app, MiGene Family History App aims to bring genetic medicine to countries where the burden is greatest. Low-income countries often lack the resources to use advanced gene therapies and editing techniques. They remain, however, the most affected by birth defects and genetic diseases.
While the app only serves as a first step, it is one in the right direction. CRISPR therapies will not be enabled by this advance, but it’s bringing the technology to countries like Ethiopia in ways that were never before possible. MiGene is already in use in Ethiopian hospitals, and a teaching hospital in Ghana.
The initial version of the app focuses primarily on birth defects and genetic diseases. After being loaded onto tablets for the doctors and nurses of a hospital, it allows for easy data collection and presentation. One statistic collected was that around 12% of patients admitted lived with some form of birth or genetic abnormality. Heart malformations and Down syndrome ranked among the most common. With this information available, doctors will be able to make more informed decisions in the future.
The Future is Now
One other important finding of the initial launch was that the rates of occurrence for birth defects matched those of high income countries. It doesn’t matter if someone is born in a rich country, or a poor one. The risk of genetics impacting one’s health appears to remain constant. This supports an even stronger investment and emphasis on bringing technologies to less wealthy countries. Disease makes no distinctions.
In efforts to grow the impact of the MiGene App, researcher have expanded its reach. The launch program took place at St Paul’s in Ethiopia. A teaching hospital in Ghana also now uses the app. The range of condition the app collects data on has also grown. Cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease now all join the list. While not providing a cure, the information gathered is actionable. Every advance in health is a major step. As more time passes, researchers even hope to introduce genetic counseling training through the app.
