A landmark partnership to create the nation's first state-backed genomic newborn screening (gNBS) program has been announced, with GeneDx, a global leader in delivering genomic insights for improved health outcomes, joining forces with Florida State University (FSU) to implement the Sunshine Genetics Act., a global leader in delivering genomic insights for improved health outcomes, joining forces with Florida State University (FSU) to implement the Sunshine Genetics Act.

This groundbreaking initiative, establishes a five-year pilot to offer free, voluntary whole-genome sequencing for up to 100,000 newborns in Florida, thereby transitioning gNBS from a research setting into the standard of pediatric care.

The program's primary objective is the early detection and diagnosis of hundreds of serious but treatable rare genetic conditions, allowing for rapid intervention before symptoms manifest.

GeneDx, leveraging its unmatched scale, experience from sequencing nearly one million genomes and exomes, and its previous work on the GUARDIAN study, will serve as a core partner, providing end-to-end support including sequencing, expert interpretation, and clinical reporting. Katherine Stueland, CEO of GeneDx, stated the program will help ensure every newborn has the best chance for a healthy life, setting a powerful national example for proactive healthcare. The Act was sponsored by state Representative Adam Anderson, who emphasized the life-changing potential of early diagnosis and treatment, noting that it is both beneficial for families and a wise investment that could save billions in healthcare costs. The program is spearheaded by Anderson and the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD) at FSU, which aims to redefine early detection and intervention by combining state leadership, academic expertise, and industry strengths, ultimately generating critical data to guide future discoveries and improve health outcomes for all children.