PerkinElmer president joins US Department of Health and Human Service advisory committee on heritable disorders and genetic diseases in newborns and children
Peter Coggins, President of PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advisory committee on heritable disorders and genetic diseases in newborns and children.
A 30-year life sciences industry expert, Dr Coggins will make recommendations to HHS secretary Tommy Thompson on grants and projects to help state and local public health agencies improve screening, counseling and health care services to newborns and children who have or are at risk for heritable disorders.
Heritable disorders are passed from parents to children; many such disorders are treatable if detected early. "I am pleased to join such a distinguished group of professionals committed to increasing the availability of testing and health care services to America's newborns," said Coggins.
"While much attention is paid to new drugs or medical technologies for treating life-threatening conditions, too often we forget about critical areas such as detection, prevention and early intervention.
"Universal newborn screening will allow for the identification of disorders that can be treated or managed before debilitating symptoms appear, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs".
While maintaining his duties as president of PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Dr Coggins will join 14 committee members tasked with the review of screening practices for genetic diseases and the consideration of the most appropriate applications of universal newborn screening tests, technologies and guidelines.
Coggins will also advise the secretary on policies and priorities to help agencies provide these services.
Coggins holds a PhD in zoology from Chelsea College, University of London.
