EIT Health-backed start-up Allelica partners with Merck

They develop algorithms to predict risk of heart attack.

Allelica, an EIT Health-supported start-up that develops algorithms to predict the risk of diseases based on genomics data, has entered a partnership with one of the top global pharmaceutical companies, Merck.

The Italian start-up has developed a solution that allows the computation of an individual’s risk of developing a heart attack with a system that employs millions of genetic variants. Allelica’s solution is based on a Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) derived from the UK Biobank containing more than 500,000 participants. The algorithm developed by Allelica is able to identify a population at high risk of heart attack, including many who may be invisible to traditional models used to asses cardiovascular risk. Allelica’s cloud solution allows clinical genetics laboratories to upload genotype data from a DNA sample and receive analytics regarding genetic risks.

“We are very pleased to work together with forward thinkers and innovators at Merck to give our contribution in improving cardiovascular prevention and early diagnoses,” said Giordano Bottà CEO & Co-Founder of Allelica.

Allelica was the recipient of a €50,000 EIT Health Headstart grant in 2019. The support they received allowed them to accelerate development of the interface, carry out clinical validations and develop their strategy and business model.