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|Articles|October 25, 2022

What We’re Reading: CVS Health Partners With ixlayer; Genes Linked to Dyslexia; FDA Plans New Mammogram Regulations

Author(s)AJMC Staff

CVS Health and a digital diagnostic startup will produce at-home tests for vitamin D, Lyme disease, sexually transmitted infections, and thyroid function; researchers identified 42 genetic variants associated with dyslexia; FDA plans updated mammogram regulations to help women with dense breasts.

CVS Health, ixlayer Partner to Develop At-Home Tests

CVS Health is partnering with ixlayer, a digital diagnostic at-home testing company, to develop 4 over-the-counter self-diagnostic tests, Digital Health Business & Technology reported. The startup testing company will provide the technology platform and logistics network to make at-home tests for vitamin D, Lyme disease, sexually transmitted infections, and thyroid function available in CVS stores later in fall 2022. After completing the at-home test, patients ship the testing kits to an approved lab and the results are delivered to patients online. The test rollout will begin online and in about 1000 stores across 35 states, and may expand to more locations if the tests show promise in retail stores.

Researchers Identify 42 Genetic Variants Linked to Dyslexia

Authors of a study published in Nature Genetics discovered 42 genome-wide loci significantly associated with dyslexia, United Press International reported. Of these 42 variants, 15 were linked to cognitive ability or educational attainment, and 27 were new and potentially more specific to dyslexia. The researchers also identified 64 loci with suggestive significance, and noted that many of the genes linked to dyslexia were also linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

FDA Plans New Regulations for Mammograms

The FDA is developing new regulations for informing women about their breast tissue type and breast cancer screening options, CBS News reported. Between 40% and 50% of women in the United States have dense breast tissue with less fat and more tissue, which makes it harder for mammograms to detect tumors. Because of this, some women with dense breast tissue have reported needing additional scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs following a mammogram, leading to more medical appointments and higher costs. Currently, 38 states require patients to be notified about their breast density.

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