Sano Genetics boosts access to specialist eye care and related research for US patients

The triple alliance has been formed to offer seamless, end-to-end solutions that will drive progress in both patient care and research outcomes in inherited retinal diseases (IRD).

The collaboration between genomics and clinical trials specialist, Sano Genetics, the leading provider of mobile eye assessments for clinical research, 20/20 Onsite, and concierge patient recruitment expert, Clinical Enrollment, will create a simple, integrated digital process to support patients affected by IRDs.

Combining real world testing with bespoke software, the new process will enable patients to undergo specialised screening and genetic testing for their condition – and to connect to appropriate clinical research.

Sano Genetics’ technology platform will facilitate genetic testing and counselling for IRD patients as well as providing a user-friendly virtual environment with resources to support and educate patients throughout their diagnosis and treatment journey.

Clinical Enrollment will recruit and screen patient pipelines using curated content delivered via algorithm-based advertising, manage the retrieval of medical records, and provide concierge services to help patients with logistics.

20/20 Onsite will provide in-person patient screening through their onsite ophthalmic delivery models, including mobile vision clinics. All three partners will support patients’ recruitment for relevant clinical trials.

IRDs are a group of progressive conditions in which at least one gene fails to work correctly, altering the structure and function of the retina and impairing vision.

These conditions can affect people of any age, though vision loss often manifests in childhood. Many IRDs are degenerative, meaning some people will live with worsening vision impairment or blindness for their entire lives.

Recruiting participants for IRD trials requires complex multi-channel patient engagement, ophthalmology exams and genetic testing. The coordination of these elements can be expensive and time consuming for trial sponsors.

Mismanaging these processes can lead to missed opportunities for trial volunteers who are waiting for new, better ophthalmology care.

This new partnership will streamline the process of identifying, screening, and enrolling participants in IRD research, accelerating timelines and bringing expert eye care directly to the point of need.

This unified approach aims to save time and reduce costs for clinical teams, while enabling patients to participate in clinical research and gain access to both information and potential treatments more easily.

The at-home solution will create opportunities to engage individuals from all regions of the US, including underserved communities in rural and under-resourced urban areas.

Charlotte Guzzo, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Sano Genetics, comments: “Our partnership with 20/20 Onsite and Clinical Enrollment will bring essential eye care and genetic testing to patients affected by inherited retinal diseases, particularly those in rural areas who often face significant barriers to accessing specialist services.

“This partnership leverages the strengths of all three organisations to create a seamless and patient-centered approach to screening, testing and research. By integrating our technology platform with our partners’ services, we aim to accelerate clinical trial recruitment and ensure patients are supported every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment.”

Charlotte Guzzo was last month named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in the Business Weekly Awards.