Gateway Genomics makes DNA-based prenatal, pediatric information accessible
Gateway Genomics is a La Jolla, Calif.-based company that develops prenatal
and pediatric tests to help parents give their children healthier, better lives. The
company said the brand’s gender test has been used by more than 500,000
parents to make plans and connect with friends and family earlier than ever.
At NACDS Total Store Expo, the brand was a Product Showcase Winner for an
introduction that it says breaks new ground in the industry. Drug Store News
recently caught up with Sarah Cacia, director of retail business development,
to get the scoop and to find out what’s next for the brand.
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Drug Store News: Can you tell us a little bit about Gateway Genomics and the markets you serve?
Sarah Cacia: Our company was founded with the goal to make DNA-based prenatal and pediatric information accessible and affordable for parents everywhere. Since 2014, we’ve worked with OB/GYNs, medical clinics and directly with consumers to help them answer important questions about their baby.
DSN: What types of products do you offer?
SC: We offer a variety of tests, but our most popular product is the SneakPeek Gender Reveal DNA Test. It’s the No. 1 OBGYN-recommended early gender test kit. SneakPeek is clinically proven to identify a baby's gender as early as six weeks into pregnancy, with 99.9% accuracy. So, expecting moms can learn whether they’re having a boy or a girl almost as soon as they have a positive pregnancy test!
DSN: You were a Product Showcase Winner at Total Store Expo 2022. Can you tell us about the product?
SC: We know moms want as much information as possible, as soon as possible, so they can start planning for their family. So many leading retailers are also focused on accessible health care, so it seemed the perfect fit for a retail launch. The SneakPeek Gender Reveal test can be used as early as six weeks into pregnancy. It’s a DNA test that is 99.9% accurate. Previous at-home gender tests have required a finger prick and squeezing blood from a finger tip. This hurts! Our exclusive Snap device makes the process virtually painless because only half as much blood is collected and we use microneedles that don’t reach past the skin epidermis. Snap sticks to your arm like a bandage, and all you do is press the button to start the collection. Several people at TSE tried Snap for themselves and loved that it was painless. Two-day shipping and one-day results are included. We send a super fun, animated results message — kind of like a mini gender reveal party in your inbox.
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DSN: How do you envision the new item being used?
SC: As one mom put it, “If my pregnancy test is positive, I’ll be back tomorrow to buy SneakPeek!” More than half of our customers use SneakPeek for greater peace of mind. They say that knowing gender gives them a sense of control during pregnancy. It also helps parents to bond with their baby sooner.
DSN: What other product areas are you exploring as a company?
SC: We believe all parents deserve to know as much about their children as soon as possible. We’ve helped more than 500,000 families with SneakPeek. We have other tests, such as a DNA test that can help predict sleep and nutrition patterns. And we’re developing tests to help answer questions about gestational diabetes and prenatal vitamin deficiencies. Look for these retail kits in 2023 and beyond.