Health IT

Pathway Genomics latest app combines cognitive computing, genetics and personal wellness

In an example of the kind of messages users would get, the app may direct them to avoid certain foods based on their metabolism.

spinning class exercise gymFive months after Pathway Genomics CEO Jim Plante said it was developing an app with IBM Watson, it has released some details and added a name. The app, which embraces cognitive computing, personal wellness and genetics, is called OME and is currently in a closed Alpha release, according to a company statement. It reflects a move by Pathway to push further into the bioinformatics/personal wellness space and its ongoing collaboration with IBM Watson.

It is part of a series of IBM Watson collaboration developments announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week in a keynote by IBM CEO Ginni Rometty that also included Medtronic and Under Armour.

The app requires users to submit to a spit test to provide a sample of their DNA. It provides diet and exercise guidance and a metabolism report that’s based on the users genetic traits, their health habits, data from GPS and wearable health monitors, according to the statement. in addition to information from the users Apple HealthKit.

In future versions of OME, users will be able to decide whether to include this data in their electronic health records, insurance information, and other datasets.

OME builds on the Pathway app, which debuted in August. With the company’s Fit test, the app analyzes spit samples for more than 75 genetic markers known to impact metabolism, exercise, and energy consumption within our bodies. For example, it assess whether users have a genetic predisposition to overeating or lactose intolerance. It can also assess benefits or impacts of exercise on weight loss, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and metabolism.

Pathway Genomics Chief Innovation Of?cer Dr. Michael Nova said in a statement that the app is intended to make personal wellness information more manageable and referred to the app as a “sidekick.”

“With Watson cognitive computing leveraged by our technology we are able to deliver real-time, highly personalized insights to empower people to change unhealthy behaviors, allowing them to live healthier lives in ways we never thought possible. Users will have an easy to use side-kick that can do the work of sorting through and make sense of the data that will help them to lead healthier lives.”

It’s an ambitious approach and it doesn’t come cheap — the non cognitive version was priced at $599, although Pathway’s website currently prices it at $159. But amping up diet and exercise plans with genetic insights to make them more personal is likely to generate a lot of interest. The market opportunity is set to grow, according to Allied Market Research. It estimates that bioinformatics market is will be worth $12.86 billion by 2020.

Photo: Flickr

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