The Growing Role of Genetics in Women’s Health
Welcome to this week’s issue of Notes to Selfe Publication where we curate insights, trends, and investment opportunities relating to The Future of Women’s Health.
A Moment That Changed Everything
I still remember when Angelina Jolie made headlines back in 2013. She shocked the world by announcing she’d had a double mastectomy.
The reason she gave was a "faulty gene" known as BRCA1, which gave her an 87% chance of developing breast cancer. This bold, personal decision sparked a global conversation about genetic testing.
Suddenly, it wasn’t just a niche area for the ultra-cautious. Pandora’s box had been opened and the “Angelina effect” began to spread. Thousands of women lined up (literally speaking) for DNA tests, hoping to understand their cancer risk. But many were left without clear answers.
The Rise of Comprehensive Genetic Testing
Just a decade later, the landscape of genetic testing looks very different. Advances in science and technology have made it more precise, accessible, and informative. Companies like Myriad Genetics are leading the charge by offering broader, more comprehensive tests.
No longer limited to just BRCA1 or BRCA2, these new tests assess multiple genetic markers, providing women with a clearer picture of their overall cancer risk. As far as it goes, it is a game-changer for early detection and personalized care.
Innovation and Investment in Women's Health
The expansion of genetic testing has opened up one of the most promising sectors in women’s health, particularly in areas like cancer care and fertility. Companies are leveraging AI and machine learning to detect patterns that were once impossible to identify. This means more accurate risk assessments, better early detection, and more effective treatment plans.
Take fertility as a case in point.
Today, artificial intelligence is playing a key role in the process of embryo selection for implantation by enabling the analysis of vast amounts of data from prior IVF (in-vitro fertilization) cycles.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is enabling the selection of the healthiest embryos free of genetic anomalies for implantation.
And Telemedicine is reducing the barriers to access to high-quality fertility care.
All resulting in better and more effective treatment plans for women.
The rise of genetic testing has also led to significant acquisitions in the last few years, showing the positive trend there is in this sector’s future.
Natera, Inc. a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, oncology and women’s health has recently acquired reproductive health assets from Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company for $52.5m.
Exact Sciences acquired Genomic Health for $2.8 billion in 2019, merging two leaders in cancer diagnostics.
Invitae’s acquisition of ArcherDX is also further proof of the industry’s potential.
And investors are taking note of these deals.
In 2023, venture capital in women’s health start-ups surged, reflecting increased interest and confidence in the future of genetic diagnostics.
Recent Moves In the Industry
Last week (Oct 23rd), Nura Health, with consortium partners Lasa Health and Dama Health, were selected to receive a $3 Million Award from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)’s Sprint for Women’s Health.
According to the press release, the consortium of Nura Health, Lasa Health, and Dama Health aims to develop a comprehensive precision medicine platform that accelerates the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of endometriosis.
By combining non-invasive diagnostic tools, advanced patient phenotyping, and personalized pharmacogenetics (the study of how a person's DNA affects their response to drugs), the platform seeks to transform how endometriosis is diagnosed and treated, significantly reducing the time to diagnosis and providing effective, individualized treatment plans.
Why This Matters: Precision, Personalization, and Prevention
The “Angelina effect” opened the door for millions of women to consider genetic testing. Now, the advancements in this field are bringing real solutions to those who need them.
Companies focusing on non-invasive tests for conditions like ovarian and breast cancer are gaining traction, driven by advancements in genomic mapping. Investors should pay close attention to these innovations, which have the potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Trying something new here! Let me know what you think. Each week I plan to add a new section to share my articles I read which you might enjoy…
My Substack Highlight this Week 🔦
Is Your Story Book-Worthy: Being One In A Million by Renee Fountain
So you want to write a book?
I loved how the author Renee very matter-of-factly points out that while everyone has a story to tell, not every tale is destined for the bestseller list.
To stand out, she recommends identifying what makes your narrative unique, focusing on universal truths and specific details that will resonate with people. You must also understand the intention behind your writing— Is it a personal reflection or to connect with a broader audience?
At the end of the day, your memoir should bridge your unique experiences with something readers can relate to. Otherwise, it might just end up as another “Guess what happened to me?” dinner party story!
Read the full article above and follow and subscribe to her newsletter.
Have a great week,
Maryann
***Disclaimer***
Thanks for the post. There were a few celebrities who did what Angelina did as "precaution" . Back in the day you rarely knew someone with breast cancer (pre-1990). These days I know at least 10. I'm going to take a guess that it's the hormones they put in the food... probably why girls are starting their period at 11 years old.
While these tests are great for finding markers in DNA - it still feels like we're all at risk.