Spark initiative raises awareness of genetic testing for retinal disease

SAN ANTONIO – Spark Therapeutics announced the launch of a digital resource intended to raise awareness and provide education about the importance of genetic testing for people with a diagnosis or family history of inherited retinal disease.

Parag Meswani, PharmD, discussed the Spark Therapeutics initiative during a press conference here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.

“Spark is launching a program called Eye Want 2 Know,” Meswani said, “a digital resource for patients and providers to make sure there is accessible information about diseases and genetic testing.”

Eye Want 2 Know provides information on overcoming the barriers to genetic testing, which include misinformation about the benefits and burdens of testing and the perceived challenge to find providers, according to a company press release. Once patients have genetic testing results, they can work with a health care professional to decide how to best manage their disease and determine if they are candidates for investigational gene therapy clinical trials.

“The concept of genetic testing is not new, but it can be intimidating,” Meswani said. “We provide information on the importance of testing, how to get access to it and provide personal stories. We provide downloadable information and resources for clinicians and patients.” – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO

Disclosure: Meswani was head of U.S. marketing and diagnostics at Spark Therapeutics at the time of this presentation.

For more info: www.eyewant2know.com