But like all genes, it could be identified with simple tests–which would likely bring about a major shift from ameliorative to preventive treatment. DeCODE is working on a test that may come out as early as next year. CEO Kari Stefansson hopes it will someday be part of a set of 20 or 30 genetic tests that doctors will run to determine disease risk. “It sounds a bit Orwellian to think of it that way,” he says, “but it’s no different than running cholesterol tests now to see whether you’ll get heart disease.” Well, there is one difference–unlike cholesterol tests, this one only has to be done once, which makes for less time at the doctor’s.
