Last week I had the pleasure of officially opening Revvity’s new lab at Alderley Park.
The US company is a global life science and diagnostic group, specialising in genome sequencing.
It has developed a test similar to the heel prick test currently offered by the NHS to newborns. However, whereas the current test screens for ten rare conditions, the revolutionary testing developed by Revvity screens for 200 genetic conditions.
The initial sample size was 15,000 babies but now has been expanded as part of The Generation Study to include 100,000 babies. The study is being supported by Genomics England, set up by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2010 and which partners with the NHS to advance genomic medicine. Different hospital trusts have signed up for the project, our nearest being Leighton Hospital in Crewe (part of Mid Cheshire NHS Trust).
Early detection is vital in improving outcomes and this in-depth advance testing could mean a child has access to treatment or interventions significantly earlier than may have been the case. If testing reveals any abnormality parents or guardians are immediately put in touch with a doctor specialising in that area to get the right help for their child.
A few days ago I read about Freddie who at just four weeks old was diagnosed with hereditary retinoblastoma, caused by a change in his RB1 gene. Within days of the abnormality being flagged, Freddie was seen by a specialist and a tumour found. Freddie has since received treatment, and doctors are hopeful they can save his vision. His parents said taking part in the study had changed their son’s life “phenomenally”.
The testing developed by Revvity has the potential to change the lives of our children for generations to come, and I am delighted, not only that they chose Alderley Park to expand their research, but that they were recognised earlier this year at the North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce awards where they won the Science and Innovation award.
Alderley Park continues to lead the world with some hugely innovative companies in the bioscience and life science sector and Revvity is yet another excellent example of the talent we have right here on our doorstep.
