Ramón Catalá Llosa: Enabling Anyone to Access Their Genetic Information in an Easy, Understandable, Updated and Affordable Way

tellmeGen is a company that develops and markets DNA tests and offers more than 440 online reports divided into 6 blocks: genetic predisposition to diseases, hereditary diseases, drug compatibility, personal traits, information on response to diet and sport, and ancestry. All in a single test and at a single price.

We were born with a clear objective: that anyone could access their genetic information in an easy, understandable, updated and affordable way, from anywhere in the world.
Our mission is to be an international reference company in the field of genetics, as well as to promote personalized and preventive medicine under a strict ethical and deontological code.

The main values on which we work are:

• INNOVATION: We are a company at the forefront of technology, medicine and genetics, constantly evolving and investing in R&D because we firmly believe that our products can promote a better future.
• TRUST AND PRIVACY: We base all our products and services on the highest quality and reliability. In addition, we respect the privacy and confidentiality of our customers and their data, complying with the European laws in force.
• HEALTH: Tomorrow’s health begins with today’s information, which is why we devote all our efforts to promoting wellness and personalized medicine.

Tell us about yourself?

I studied Medicine at the University of Valencia, and I am specialized in Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery.

All my family are doctors, from pediatricians to general surgeons.

For several reasons a close relative had a serious illness, and at that time it was beginning to be known that genetics and the environment were involved in the development of common diseases.

Hence the need to make genetics accessible to everyone, so that all could benefit from information as valuable as their own genetic information.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Until a few years ago, access to genetic information was within the reach of few, since carrying out a personal genetic study on an individual was a costly technique in terms of time, human and economic resources.

However, the development of DNA tests such as tellmeGen has made it possible to access an individual’s genetic information without necessarily involving a doctor or any other healthcare professional in the process, thus saving the aforementioned human and economic resources.

The main beneficiaries are the people. Not only because of the economic accessibility, but, above all, because of the public awareness of diseases of genetic origin that is achieved with these tests. By bringing this information closer to the general population and not only to patients in a medical situation, but society also becomes more aware of its importance. Therefore, we try to promote a healthier lifestyle, as well as self-care.

We believe that knowing genetic information can mean a paradigm shift in medicine. And not only focus on pathologies, but also on prevention and wellness maintenance.

What is your magic sauce?

The main differences with the competition that make us unique are 4:

We are the personal genetics service that provides more information than any other. Whether on health, ancestry, wellness, etc.

We do not charge for updates. You will receive constant free updates.

If you have specific questions, you can ask our team of doctors and geneticists.

We comply with the European Data Protection Act, which is more restrictive than the American one. Therefore, it is not possible to do anything with your genetic data without your express consent.

Where do you see your company going in 5 years time?

The objective will remain the same. To make genetic information available to all. More languages, more countries, etc.

We are also very interested in helping to discover new mutations, or even therapeutic targets, for which we are developing a whole department focused on this.

What has been your biggest setback so far?

Beginnings are never easy.

Not only the development of the platform with all the IT and computational complexity, but also marketing, transport of sanitary samples, regulations, etc.

What is the next big challenge for your business?

Our main challenges for 2022 are to continue in the line we started last year, new markets, new languages with respect to the business area.

Also, to keep increasing the number of genetic information items provided, increase the accuracy and the number of markers studied and launch new functionalities that allow us to connect people through genetic information.

How do people get involved/buy into your vision?

We want everyone to know this information, either because they are sick and we can help them by providing the best medication for them, or because they are healthy and want to prevent a disease.

Also young couples who want to have children and would like to know if they are carriers of a monogenic disease.

People who want to know their ancestors or find distant relatives.

Adopted people who are interested in finding out more about their ancestry and possible pathologies, etc.

We want genetics not only to be associated with medicine and diseases, but for everyone to be able to benefit from it.