iHope Program

The iHope Program is a philanthropic initiative launched by Illumina to make clinical whole-genome sequencing (cWGS) accessible to underserved children facing rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases (RUGD). It operates through the Illumina Clinical Services Laboratory (ICSL) in San Diego, California.

Children account for approximately 50% of patients affected by rare diseases. Without a correct diagnosis and treatment, 30% of these children will not reach their fifth birthday. The program was created to address the challenges patients and their families face with RUGD. Many of these families are financially disadvantaged and lack access to next-generation sequencing-based testing or other molecular-based diagnostic procedures.

Illumina collaborates directly with patient groups, clinical institutions, and academic centers around the world to identify patients appropriate for testing. Currently, with over 20 collaborations, the iHope program continues to grow globally. Collaborators in the US include nonprofits (e.g., Rare Genomics Institute), academic centers (e.g., Washington University), and children’s hospitals (e.g., Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital).

iHope Genetic Health is a program governed and operated by Genetic Alliance. It expands on the Illumina iHope model by empowering laboratories around the world to provide cWGS at no charge. iHope Genetic Health leverages genomic sequencing technology from Illumina, donations from philanthropists, and technology partners to make cWGS accessible to underserved communities around the world.