Seonix Bio launches polygenic risk score glaucoma test in US
Key takeaways:
- The saliva test evaluates a patient’s genetic variants to determine risk for glaucoma development or progression.
- It is now available in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.
Seonix Bio launched SightScore, a polygenic risk score testing service for primary open-angle glaucoma, in the United States, according to a press release.
SightScore contributes to a more personalized treatment approach by distinguishing between patients who may be at higher or lower risk for glaucoma. The saliva test evaluates a patient’s genetic variants to estimate the risk for developing glaucoma or the risk for progression in those who already have the disease.
Clinicians can prioritize and manage patients appropriately based on their genetic risk, the release said.
“SightScore addresses the unmet need for early and accurate glaucoma risk assessment by using a polygenic risk score to identify individuals at high genetic risk before significant vision loss occurs,” Nick Haan, CEO of Seonix Bio, told Healio. “Traditional glaucoma screening methods have limited predictive power, often resulting in delayed diagnoses and unnecessary monitoring of low-risk individuals. As a result, 50% of glaucoma cases go undiagnosed. SightScore provides new genetic risk information to help clinicians personalize monitoring and treatment plans to prevent irreversible vision loss and improve overall glaucoma management.”
SightScore was previously released in Australia and New Zealand.
“SightScore will help ophthalmologists and optometrists enhance their glaucoma treatment plans by providing a more precise genetic risk assessment, allowing for earlier detection and personalized patient management,” Haan said. “In combination with other risk factors and medical exam, it enables clinicians to prioritize high-risk individuals for earlier screening and intervention while reducing unnecessary monitoring for low-risk patients.”
Editor’s note: This article was updated on Feb. 21, 2025, to add comments from Nick Haan, CEO of Seonix Bio.
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