Corporate News

Oxford, UK. GENinCode Plc (AIM: GENI), the predictive genetics company focused on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, announces its intention to appoint Professor Huon Gray CBE, to the Board as an independent non-executive director.

Huon has 30 years’ experience practising as a consultant cardiologist for the NHS and private sector, with particular experience in cardiovascular risk assessment and interventional cardiology. Huon served as the National Clinical Director for Heart Disease in the Department of Health and then NHS England from 2012-2019, advising government, all party parliamentary groups, the NHS and NICE on healthcare delivery and reform. He is a former President of the British Cardiac Society (now the British Cardiovascular Society) and was previously Chair of the International Committee of the American College of Cardiology.

In 2018, Huon was awarded the honour of Master of the American College of Cardiology, the only recipient outside of the US, and the Mackenzie Medal by the British Cardiovascular Society in 2014 in recognition of his services to British cardiology. In 2019, he was made a CBE for his services to cardiology.

Huon’s exposure to the US healthcare system through his work with the American College of Cardiology over 15 years, in roles such as Trustee and Chair of its Governance Committee, will support the Company as it targets the US as one of its primary markets. Additionally, during Huon’s tenure at NHS England, he acted as a liaison with industry and Academic Health Science Networks, helping deliver healthcare in the NHS through encouraging the adoption of innovation and new technology.

Huon will be appointed to the board of GENinCode following finalisation of the terms of his appointment and the completion of the necessary regulatory due diligence in accordance with the AIM Rules.

In addition, GENinCode anticipates appointing an additional independent non-executive director in the short-term. A suitably qualified US-based candidate has been identified that is an experienced healthcare industry and US FDA regulatory veteran and whom the Board believes will be very additive to GENinCode’s future.

Further announcements will be made at the appropriate time.

Bill Rhodes, Chair of GENinCode Plc, commented: “We are delighted to have Huon join the Board, subject to completion of the necessary formalities. Huon has extensive and expansive experience in clinical cardiology and through his relationships globally, and particularly in the US and the UK, coupled with his deep appreciation for the benefits both patients and practitioners will gain from the use of our products, there is no question he will add tremendous value to the Board, the Company and our shareholders.”

Matthew Walls, CEO of GENinCode Plc, added: “Huon’s background and vast experience as a leading cardiologist in both the UK and the US will be invaluable to the Company as we look towards commercialisation later in 2022. Importantly, he shares our excitement about the potential of the Company’s portfolio of products to drastically improve the current standard of care worldwide.”  

Professor Huon Gray CBE commented: “I am delighted to be asked to join the Board of GENinCode at this important stage. Cardiovascular risk assessment in the US and UK currently comprises a series of questions related to conventional risk factors, with no genetic risk assessment. This is despite family history being one of the most significant contributing risk factors to an individual’s likelihood of suffering from cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the Company’s portfolio of diagnostic products have significant potential to improve the standard of care for millions who every year suffer from cardiovascular disease.”

For more information visit www.genincode.com

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About GENinCode

GENinCode Plc is a UK based company specialising in genetic risk assessment of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

GENinCode operates business units in the UK, in the United States through GENinCode U.S. Inc and in Europe through GENinCode S.L.U.

GENinCode predictive technology provides patients and physicians with globally leading preventative care and treatment strategies. GENinCode CE marked invitro-diagnostic molecular tests combine clinical algorithms and bioinformatics to provide advanced patient risk assessment to predict disease onset.

About Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. CVD is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.

The most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. The effects of behavioural risk factors may show up in individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and overweight and obesity. These “intermediate risks factors” can be measured in primary care facilities and indicate an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other complications.

Cessation of tobacco use, reduction of salt in the diet, eating more fruit and vegetables, regular physical activity and avoiding harmful use of alcohol have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Health policies that create conducive environments for making healthy choices affordable and available are essential for motivating people to adopt and sustain healthy behaviours.

Identifying those at highest risk of CVDs and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment can prevent premature deaths. Access to noncommunicable disease medicines and basic health technologies in all primary health care facilities is essential to ensure that those in need receive treatment and counselling.

CVD causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas and is the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next 10 years. CVD is largely preventable, through lifestyle changes and a combination of public health and NHS action on smoking and tobacco addiction, obesity, tackling alcohol misuse and food reformulation.

Genetic risk assessment can help early detection and treatment of CVD to help patients live longer, healthier lives. Many people are still living with undetected, high-risk conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation (AF). Progress continues in the NHS to identify and diagnose people routinely knowing their ‘ABC’ (testing and monitoring of AF, Blood pressure and Cholesterol) set out in the NHS 10 Year plan.