NorthShore University HealthSystem and Color unlock the power of genomics in routine care

(Evanston, IL) – January 9, 2019 – NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) and Color today announced a groundbreaking partnership to deliver the power of genomics to routine primary care at population scale. Known as “DNA10K,” the initiative will engage more than 10,000 patients and will be the largest known primary care-based genomics program in the U.S.

This innovative approach will build on NorthShore’s years of expertise in genomics and actionable electronic medical records information, while providing access to Color’s clinical-grade genetic testing and whole genome sequencing to inform patients about their risk for certain hereditary conditions. The knowledge will help patients learn about their genetic makeup, including risk factors for certain disease types such as common hereditary cancers and heart diseases. This insight will help NorthShore personalize care for each patient to support improved outcomes, prevention and overall health.

“NorthShore is committed to enhancing our connection to the patients and families we serve,” said J.P. Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer of NorthShore University HealthSystem. “Our experience and expertise in genomic medicine allows us to bring a greater level of understanding and new insight, which leads to deeper and more powerful patient relationships, better outcomes and informed preventative actions for the individual and family.”

NorthShore is proud to expand the collaboration with Color through the launch of “DNA10K” which will deliver genomic insight to patients at the primary care level with the expertise of the Mark R. Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine at NorthShore. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of a successful pilot between NorthShore and Color that unlocked the benefits of genetic information in routine care.

In less than two months, more than 1,000 patients signed up for the Color population health program as a part of their primary care visit, an adoption rate of more than 40% of those eligible and significantly beating expectations of the pilot program. This is a strong indicator of patients’ interest in understanding genetic factors that can influence health and the opportunity to work with NorthShore care providers to make more informed treatment or prevention decisions.

“NorthShore is a leader in their commitment to build a future where healthcare moves from reactive to proactive and using genomics as a core component to improve individual health at population scale,” said Othman Laraki, Color CEO. “Color is proud to join NorthShore through this unique collaboration to unlock the role of genomics in routine care.”

DNA10K will support NorthShore’s efforts to improve patients’ health outcomes at a population level, with genomics as a foundation for informing individualized healthcare. Patients who take advantage of the “DNA10K” offering will provide a blood sample, which is then analyzed in Color’s CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited lab, and results are returned to healthcare providers and their patients. In addition to their NorthShore primary care provider, patients will also have access to board-certified genetic counselors and clinical pharmacists from Color and NorthShore. This collaborative group can help interpret test results and develop personalized risk and screening guidelines to better inform care throughout a patient’s life.

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About NorthShore University HealthSystem

NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is an integrated healthcare delivery system consistently ranked as a Top 15 Major Teaching Hospital in the U.S. The NorthShore system, headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, includes four hospitals – Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore also includes a 900-physician multispecialty group practice, NorthShore Medical Group, located in over 100 locations in the Chicagoland area. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois to receive this prestigious honor as an entire system that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. The system also supports the NorthShore Research Institute; the NorthShore Foundation; and the NorthShore Home & Hospice Services. In addition to launching Be Well Lake County, a community health initiative committed to providing greater access to comprehensive care, NorthShore contributes $235 million in charitable care and services to the communities it serves. Learn more at NorthShore.org.

About Color

Color is a population genomics technology company. Color’s clinical-grade sequencing, software and analytics platform makes it easy and affordable for people around the world to access their genetic information to learn about their hereditary risk for common cancers and heart diseases, and how their genes can influence how the body processes certain medications. Color’s physician-ordered tests can be conveniently started by providing a simple saliva sample from home. Color clients can get access to an ongoing service that provides tools and insights to help manage key aspects of their long-term health. Large populations such as employers (Visa, Levi Strauss, Salesforce, SAP, dozens of others) and health systems (including UCSF, Jefferson and University of Chicago) are partnering with Color to bring genetics and preventive health to their populations in a streamlined and integrated way. Learn more at color.com.