Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Pelo
Hi Matthew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My career has followed a non-linear path that started by launching a group text messaging company in the mid-2000s before the iPhone was out, then transitioned to finance with a focus on working with life science companies in San Diego, then to working at a leading genomics research institution in New York.
After seeing the advancements in DNA sequencing and analysis technologies and the research on how genetic variants are linked to diseases, I decided to start Fore Genomics. We are bringing a genetic health screen to new and expecting parents that can help children live healthier lives.
We have launched our first product focused on children but have plans to launch an adult-focused product by the end of the year. The children’s product focuses on pediatric-onset diseases, and the adult product will focus more on neurodegenerative diseases and adult cancers.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We started our company during COVID, so have not had an easy path. We had issues with our processing lab when they got a state contract to do all COVID testing in their state that put our project on hold for a few months. We also had to navigate the new world of forming a company and building a team virtually – these challenges were not unique to us but a very different environment than years prior.
Building a company and launching a regulated product is not an easy task. But I’ve been lucky to have built a great team and have a number of advocates advocating for our test, as it would’ve helped their families if available. We also have tremendous support from the clinical and genomics communities. Our healthcare system is not built for proactive care, so it is challenging to bring a screening test to the market.
As you know, we’re big fans of Fore Genomics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Fore Genomics is focused on providing health screening solutions to help make healthcare more proactive. Our first product is a Genetic Health Screen designed for healthy newborns, infants, and children to understand and manage their risk of disease. Approximately 10% of the population lives with a genetic disease, and in all cases, having an earlier diagnosis helps delay the onset or reduce severity of symptoms or treat the disease before it is problematic.
Our Genetic Health Screen offers disease screening for genetically linked and treatable diseases, medication screening to provide information on how a child will respond to common medications, and on-demand access to genetic counseling.
With Fore, parents also receive yearly updates on their child’s genomic insights, genetic counseling, and exclusive tailored content for their age group.
If you’re a new or expecting parent, the odds are that your child won’t have a genetic disease, but if they do, early detection is critical for better health outcomes. We are complimentary to carrier screening, non-invasive prenatal testing, and diagnostic tests.
There are hundreds of examples, but consider a disease like Wilson’s Disease (one of ~400 we screen for), where your body can’t process Copper. Without our test, children end up in the ER with a Copper build-up in the liver around the age of 10 and would need to be on medication for the rest of their life or potentially need a liver transplant. With our test and a predisposition report, you can avoid foods that are high in copper, screen for disease progression, and/or start taking medication to avoid the onset of the disease.
All reporting is provided with access to a Genetic Counselor, and we provide clinical reports and management plans that your doctor can implement so the testing can be clinically useful.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I don’t know if this is surprising or interesting, more of a PSA, but my wife and I adopted a deaf puppy about five years ago. I was against the idea, not knowing what it’d be like to have a deaf dog. Like most marriage ties, my wife won, and we now have a deaf dog. Deafness at birth is a genetic condition and affects over 80 breeds, with nearly 30% of Dalmatians being born deaf.
We’ve really enjoyed having a deaf dog, there are some things that are more challenging and can’t really take him off leash, but it has been easier than we expected to communicate, and he’s turned into a great dog.
If the opportunity presents to adopt a deaf dog I would recommend it.
Pricing:
- Standard – $1,495
- Premium – $2,995 (includes annual updates through age 18)
- Monthly payment plans available
- Eligible for HSA/FSA
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foregenomics.com
- Instagram: @foregenomics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForeGenomics/
- Twitter: @foregenomics
Image Credits
Edison
Kyle
NiKki
Matt
