On Jun. 12, 2019, Intermountain Healthcare and deCODE genetics announced a major global collaboration and study focused on discovering new connections between genetics and human disease that will involve the collection of half a million DNA samples.

The initiative, called the HerediGene: Population Study, represented the largest and most comprehensive DNA mapping effort to date in the U.S. from a single population.

For the study, which was voluntary and free to participants, Intermountain teams worked with deCODE to analyze the genomes of 500,000 people from Intermountain’s patient population, primarily in Utah and Idaho.

Participants in the study will consent to the testing and have the option to receive their genetic results report, if a clinically significant gene mutation is identified. The data will be de-identified to ensure anonymity before it is utilized in research to help medical professionals better understand the human genome, which will enhance their ability to predict and prevent diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and heart disease.

Intermountain will leverage its renowned precision genomics efforts to improve patient outcomes and transform medicine. Intermountain’s precision medicine team analyzes individual differences in genetics, environments, and lifestyles and helps medical professionals specifically target the illnesses of each patient and identify the treatments that will best help them.