Global leaders in next generation newborn screening
Our cross-disciplinary expertise in bioinformatics, software engineering and molecular genetics makes it possible to expand newborn screening using next generation DNA sequencing today.
WHO ARE WE?
Genepath are world leaders in the design and validation of targeted gene sequencing newborn screening tests
integrated platform development
We are world leaders in the design of next generation sequencing platforms for newborn screening, with a targeted panel for treatable childhood genetic conditions and software purpose designed for newborn screening.
Global leaders
With over 20 years experience in child health, genetic testing and software engineering, our cross disciplinary team are leaders in peer reviewed research in targeted gene sequencing tests for newborn screening.
First in class validation
Targeted gene sequencing was technically validated in 2017. The approach was clinically validated for spinal muscular atrophy in 2023 and cystic fibrosis in 2022. Feasibility and cost effectiveness of high throughput testing was achieved in 2023.
Management team
Dr Bennett Shum
Chief Executive Officer
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He trained at Garvan Institute and Harvard Medical School and is Adjunct Senior Lecturer at University of New South Wales. Ben helped implement genomic testing technology to hospitals throughout Australia and is passionate about developing genomic solutions that can save lives across the globe.
BMedSci(Hons), PhD, MBA
Dr Glenn Bennett
Chief Medical Officer
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He has cross-disciplinary expertise as a doctor and scientist with an interest in public heath. With over 15 years experience in the public health sector, his strength is driving health system-wide uptake of innovative medical technology.
MB BS BSc(Med)(Hons) FACEM MBA
Ilya Henner
Chief Technology Officer
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He is passionate about making software easy to use. With over a decade experience in a large biotech company, Ilya’s mission was to design and code, integrated software for newborn screening that integrated wetlab and drylab in a seamless use experience, resulting in a clinical report.
BTech(Biotech)
Advisory board
Ishani Chattopadhyay
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Ishani has a career spanning over 20+ years across Australia, USA, UK, and India/South Asia with a focus on scaling startups, strategic advisory, enterprise development/operations, innovation, and investment.
Ishani started her career in management consulting in Australia and the USA. She ran the India/Middle East climate change technology operations for a Fortune 500 power company and managed the Asia operations of a USD $60M global impact fund. Recently, Ishani has run her own enterprise primarily focused on advisory support for SMES/start-ups and scale ups, seed funding and strategy and governance and supported over 100+ startups/scaleups.
BSc BE MBA
Paulette Barahona
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Paulette is a senior molecular geneticist with over a decade experience in the development and validation of genetic tests. She pioneered the development of next-generation DNA sequencing to detect major chromosomal abnormalities in IVF embryos (PGT-A) and commercialised a breakthrough preconception expanded carrier screening test while working at one of Australia’s largest IVF clinics. Paulette is passionate about making genetic testing accessible for everyone.
BSci (Genetics), MMed Sci (Drug Development)
Dr Don Leigh
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Don was a co-founder of one of Australia’s first private sector genetic testing laboratories, DNAlabs which he exited following a trade sale in the late 1990s. At Sydney IVF, now Genea, as Director of Molecular Genetics he developed and commercialised a number of proprietary genetic tests.
PhD
Nathan Cleary
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Nathan is a finance, investment and M&A professional with over 20 years of finance and direct investment (private equity and infrastructure) experience. Nathan has spent most of his career working in the private equity industry. Since 2012, Nathan has worked at a number of corporates including at Boral Limited and at Right2Drive. Nathan was involved in the start-up of Right2Drive that was subsequently sold to Eclipx Limited in May 2016 for A$67 million. Nathan is currently the CFO of a leading Australian land lease communities business, providing secure, affordable, quality lifestyle communities for Australians.
B.Bus, CPA, CFA Charterholder
Prof Deon Venter
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Deon is a histopathologist with a PhD in Molecular Genetics. He is a Professor of Pathology, School of Medicine, The University of Wollongong, NSW and a pathology advisor at Genepath. His interest is in utilising the interface between biological science and pathology to improve medical practice. Disciplines utilised during his career have included: Histopathology, perinatal pathology, genetics, genomics, computational biology, translational research, management, biotechnology and business management.
MB CHB, FRCPA