Wamberg Genomic Advisors Launched to Provide Easy Access to Affordable Genomic Testing

LA JOLLA, Calif., Aug. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom Wamberg, one of the nation's foremost experts on employee benefits and insurance, today announced the formation of Wamberg Genomic Advisors (WGA). WGA advises employers, employee benefit brokers, and life insurance companies, enabling them to create programs that provide employees and policyholders with easy access to affordable genomic tests.

Genomics is the study of the structure and function of genomes, including all of an individual's genes. In contrast, genetics focuses on the variation and function of single or limited numbers of genes within a genome. In the context of human health, genomics seeks to identify the interrelation of factors beyond genes, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the risk of disease, resulting in more effective preventive measures or treatments. Genetics looks for specific mutations or variations within genes, rather than the entire genome. While genetics provides important information in understanding a person's health status or risk for certain diseases or conditions, the information that can be learned from examining an entire genome is broader.

"Knowledge of a person's genome is enabling medical professionals to develop personalized health strategies, treatments, and care paths that can be used to better manage or prevent disease and enhance health and longevity," said Wamberg. "When patients are empowered with this knowledge, they can become more actively engaged in managing their own health and make better decisions. As more people have their genome sequenced and analyzed, the medical and health care communities are better equipped to provide deeper insights into risk and disease, and make new medical discoveries.

"Our mission is to help drive the genomic revolution by making genomic testing readily accessible and affordable for everyone," added Wamberg. "The most promising avenues for widespread delivery of genomic testing are employee benefit programs and life insurance policies." 

For more than three decades, Wamberg has developed innovative benefit and financial strategies for employers of all sizes, from emerging growth companies to the Fortune 100, as well as life insurance companies. Before starting WGA, Wamberg was chairman and CEO of Clark Consulting, a leader in the executive benefits space. In addition to serving as CEO of WGA, Wamberg is chairman of Uniphy Health LLC, which he co-founded, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Cleveland Clinic. 

WGA will focus initially on the following types of genomic products and services:

Whole genome sequencing and reporting. The most comprehensive method for analyzing the genome

Exome sequencing and reporting. Information on all the genes that express proteins in a genome

Cancer genomic profiling. Sequencing of a cancer tumor to learn about coding mutations that contribute to tumor progression

Cancer liquid biopsy. Blood test that today can be used in limited circumstances to detect cancer genomic material circulating in the blood, such as when sufficient tumor material is unavailable

Lifetime stem cell banking. Stem cells gathered at birth to serve as a source of cellular material for the treatment of conditions throughout a person's life

Lifetime connectivity to one's DNA. Information and updates on variations in a person's genome when compared against constantly updated genomic databases

About Wamberg Genomic Advisors

Wamberg Genomic Advisors (WGA) is your partner in the Genomic Revolution. Our mission to make genomic testing readily available at prices everyone can afford. Our focus is on delivering genomic products and services to employers and their employees via their trusted benefit brokers, and policyholders of life insurance companies. To discover more about WGA and the future of genomics, visit wamberggenomic.com.

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SOURCE Wamberg Genomic Advisors