123Genetix Launches #HackRare Crowdfunding Campaign to Accelerate Rare Disease Research

New Canadian social enterprise, 123Genetix, has developed a proprietary big data solution specifically engineered to empower rare diseases researchers. The big data solution, known as DeepNEU, yields advanced, predictive computational models of rare disease biology. The purpose of these advanced models is to empower rare disease researchers to: (1) develop new disease hypotheses; (2) design and run experimental simulations to test those hypotheses; (3) write better grants and (4) identify potential disease specific biomarkers.

Today, 123Genetix announced the launch of its #HackRare crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. 123Genetix is looking to raise $20,000 (U.S.) to advance rare disease research. ​The crowdfunding proceeds will accelerate the roll-out of 123Genetix’s predictive computer models of rare disease biology. More specifically, the campaign proceeds will be used to finalize the social enterprise’s rare disease model for RETT syndrome and to purchase additional hardware and update software, which would allow 123Genetix to develop, validate and deploy several disease models at a time. Depending on the amount raised, the proceeds may also be used to begin the software development of a dedicated database for the storage of, and eventual global access to, a growing library of validated rare disease models. 

“We want to advance rare disease research and transform the lives of those affected by rare diseases around the globe,” said Dr. Wayne Danter, Chief Science Officer and founder. “Rare disease research is often hindered by severely limited resources. We plan on doing something about this, but we need your help. This crowdfunding campaign will allow us to finalize our first rare disease model and provide it to a not-for-profit research organization free of charge. By enabling a better understanding of how various rare diseases work, we are hopeful that our predictive models will help with the identification of potential biomarkers, and ultimately help researchers to identify new, effective therapies.”

The Unmet Need:  A rare disease is generally a disease that affects a small percentage of the population. However, rare diseases are more common than you might think. There are more than 7,000 known rare diseases affecting over 300 million people worldwide.  That’s almost the size of the population of the United States. In North America, rare diseases affect 8% to 10% of the population.  About 80% of rare diseases have a genetic basis and 50% of rare diseases affect children.

Unfortunately, less than 50% of known rare diseases have organizations to advocate on behalf of patients and their families. Compounding this ongoing problem is the ever increasing competition for limited and diminishing resources supporting rare diseases research.

​About 123Genetix
 
123Genetix is an innovative social enterprise created to empower rare disease research. At 123Genetix we believe that rare should not mean forgotten. To empower rare disease research we have created a growing library of computational models of rare diseases. These models are easily customizable by the investigator and have a number of important applications. They are designed for hypothesis generation, research and experimental planning, grant writing and novel targeted therapy identification.
 
For more information, visit our website at www.123Genetix.com or contact Dr. Wayne Danter at wdanter@123genetix.com.
 
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