iHope Program

The iHope Program is a philanthropic initiative launched by Illumina to make clinical whole-genome sequencing (cWGS) accessible to underserved children facing rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases (RUGD). Children account for approximately 50% of patients affected by rare diseases. Without a correct diagnosis and treatment, 30% of these children will not reach their fifth birthday. Illumina strives to end the long diagnostic odysseys of inconclusive testing and unnecessary medical interventions for these children and their families.

Illumina currently collaborates directly with more than 20 patient groups and clinical sites that work with the community and clinicians to identify patients appropriate for testing. Collaborators in the US include nonprofit advocates such as Rare Genomics Institute, academic centers such as Washington University, Children’s Hospitals such as Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and other health care institutions around the world.

The Illumina iHope Program is a philanthropic program managed and operated through the Illumina laboratories based in San Diego, California. This program collaborates directly with pediatric health care providers, organizations, and academic institutions.

iHope Genetic Health, a program governed, managed and operated by the nonprofit Genetic Alliance, will expand the Illumina iHope Program by enabling other laboratories to provide cWGS at no charge. and to make cWGS broadly accessible to low- and middle-income communities around the world. Building on the model of the Illumina iHope Program, iHope Genetic Health Leverages contributions of genomic sequencing technology from Illumina Inc, and donations from philanthropists and technology partners, iHope™ Genetic Health will provide contract awards that enable genomic testing across the globe.