AI Meets Genomics
Technology is transforming genetic testing and bringing hope to families facing rare diseases. GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS) CEO Katherine Stueland sits down with Steve Kraus to share how AI is being used to crack life's most complex code and speed up diagnosis from years to days.
We cover:
🧬 The evolution from single-gene testing (remember BRCA?) to whole genome sequencing, and why the Supreme Court's decision to ban gene patents changed everything
🔬 The staggering reality: One in ten Americans has a rare disease, yet the path to diagnosis traditionally takes 6-8 years
💪 How parents become "honorary PhDs" in their children's rare conditions and how this drives research forward
🤖 With only 1,500 medical geneticists nationwide, AI can help bridge the expertise gap
💰 The shifting landscape of insurance coverage and why states are starting to see the value of early genetic diagnosis
📊 How GeneDx built the world's largest rare disease database (700,000 clinical exomes and counting) and what that means for future drug development
👩💼 Katherine's journey from communications major to CEO, and why having more women leaders matters in healthcare
About our guest:
Katherine Stueland has dedicated her career to revolutionizing healthcare with patient-centered business approaches. Instrumental in obtaining FDA approval for breakthroughs like the first protease inhibitor for HIV/AIDS and pioneering cancer immunotherapy, she champions the integration of genomic data for precision diagnostics in rare diseases and cancer. As President and CEO of GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS) since June 2021, she is at the forefront of transforming healthcare through the Company’s industry-leading exome and genome testing. Previously, as Chief Commercial Officer of Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), she elevated the brand to a market cap over $6 billion. Earlier roles include Vice President of Communications and Investor Relations at Dendreon. Recognized in 2023 by Fierce Pharma and Modern Healthcare for her influence in biotech, she mentors women in leadership and fosters emerging talent. A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio (1997), Ms. Stueland embodies a commitment to advancing healthcare and empowering future leaders.
Listen