Advances in genomic medicine have significantly improved the diagnosis and care of sick newborn babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, many medical centers across Texas lack the necessary resources to provide this advanced care. To address this disparity, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has been awarded a $3.5 million grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) for the MAGNET (Making Genomics Accessible to Newborns in Texas) program.
The MAGNET program aims to bridge the gap in access to genomic medicine for critically ill newborns in under-resourced healthcare communities across Texas. The initiative will focus on improving genetic diagnoses in NICUs by leveraging low-cost whole genome and RNA sequencing technologies.
Improving Access Through Telehealth
The program will adapt Consultagene, Baylor’s existing online outpatient genetic services platform, for inpatient use. This adaptation will facilitate the return of results, provide virtual genetic counseling, and offer provider consultation. Educational videos in both English and Spanish will also be available to support families and healthcare providers.
Dr. Brendan Lee, professor and chair of the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at BCM, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Only 20 years ago, less than 3% of genetic conditions in newborns could be molecularly diagnosed. Today, with routine genomic tests at academic medical centers, more than one-third of these cases can be diagnosed with state-of-the-art approaches. Unfortunately, many babies born at smaller hospitals lack access to genetic evaluation and testing, remain undiagnosed and are unable to benefit from early personalized medical treatment."
Establishing a Clinical Consortium
The MAGNET program will establish a consortium of clinical partner sites at underserved NICUs in West and South Texas. On-site providers will receive training in using genomic medicine tools and incorporating the interpretation of genomic data into clinical decision-making. This training aims to facilitate the more rapid integration of personalized treatments for genetic diseases.
Dr. Seema Lalani, professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor, highlighted the success of a similar program, stating, "We have successfully used the Consultagene platform to improve access to care for Hispanic children with rare diseases at the Texas-Mexico border through Project GIVE since 2022. The MAGNET program now gives us the opportunity to deliver advanced genomic care to critically ill newborns in this region with limited resources."
Studying the Impact of Genomic Services
As part of the program, Baylor researchers will also study the impact of increased access to genomic resources on patients, families, and providers. This research will help to identify best practices for implementing cost-effective, comprehensive genomic platforms like Consultagene in under-resourced settings.
Dr. Stacey Pereira, associate professor in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor, explained, "By studying how access to advanced genomics services affects critically ill newborns and those involved in their care, the MAGNET program seeks to develop best practices for implementing cost-effective, comprehensive genomic platforms like Consultagene in under-resourced settings. Understanding how best to implement programs like this can inform broader efforts to close gaps in healthcare access and equity."
The MAGNET program is funded by a National Human Genome Research Institute grant (1R01HG013428-01A1).
