South Africa's Most Inspiring Leaders in Healthcare Sector

Redefining Reproductive Health and Genetic Testing

The field of reproductive genetics encompasses a wide array of services and technologies aimed at assisting individuals and couples in achieving their family planning goals. From pre-implantation genetic testing to carrier screening, these advancements play a crucial role in addressing genetic disorders and enhancing reproductive outcomes. Amidst this landscape, there exists a genetics company that stands at the forefront of innovation and accessibility, offering cutting-edge solutions to individuals seeking to build healthy families.

At the helm of this company is Adele Kazilsky, whose journey to leadership began during her university years. With a background in biochemistry and genetics, Adele’s expertise and passion for advancing reproductive genetics have been instrumental in leading the establishment of a groundbreaking laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through her dedication and vision, she has navigated challenges and pioneered advancements in the field, culminating in the official opening of FutureGen Labs.

Under Adele’s leadership, FutureGenLabs has quickly emerged as a local leader in reproductive genetic testing, offering a comprehensive range of services to individuals and couples across South Africa and beyond. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on expanding access to reproductive genetic health services, FutureGen Labs is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of reproductive genetics, ensuring that individuals have the tools and support they need to achieve their family planning goals.

Let’s delve in to learn more:

Navigating Challenges to Lead in Laboratory Establishment

Adele’s journey into the position of CEO at FutureGen Labs began during her university years, where she pursued a degree in biochemistry and genetics. Following her undergraduate studies, she prioritized marriage and its associated responsibilities due to financial constraints, which prevented her from pursuing further education through honors and master’s programs. Consequently, she focused on family life and teaching, eventually becoming involved in her husband’s business, which specialized in accounting and administration. Leveraging her expertise in biochemistry and genetics, particularly in applied mathematics, she seamlessly integrated into this role, dedicating nearly three decades to it while staying abreast of advancements in her original field of study.

In November 2019, an opportunity arose when the Kingfisher Medical Group, where Adele held an administrative role, sought a leader for a laboratory operation. One of the directors of the Kingfisher Medical Company underwent a personal infertility journey, which inspired the initiative to introduce reproductive genetic testing locally and affordably in South Africa. Historically, much of this testing had been outsourced abroad, resulting in prolonged and costly processes for South Africans. Motivated by this experience, the director conducted thorough research to determine the necessary steps and resources needed to make these services accessible and cost-effective for the local population in South Africa.

Recognizing the alignment of this opportunity with her background, she eagerly accepted the challenge. She embarked on a learning journey about laboratory operations, traveling to Israel and Spain to engage with experts in pre-implantation genetics, particularly within the in vitro fertilization (IVF) domain.

Upon her return, Adele spearheaded the construction of the laboratory from scratch despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, she persevered, overseeing the construction while simultaneously recruiting staff and acquiring necessary equipment. During this period, she recruited Quintin Goodyear as the Medical Director, who brought valuable experience from the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and his expertise in human molecular biology, which he gained through his Master of Science degree. Together, they navigated the complexities of setting up the laboratory, culminating in the official opening of FutureGen Labs on August 4, 2020.

Exploring the Potential of Next-Generation Sequencing

Traditional sequencing methods provided limited and targeted information, exemplified by the Human Genome Project, which required extensive collaboration and years of effort to assemble a functional genome. However, the introduction of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized this process, significantly streamlining it. Tasks that once demanded extensive time and collaboration can now be completed within hours.

In agriculture, NGS finds applications in assessing biodiversity and establishing pedigrees in animal breeding programs, including those for dogs and cattle. By genotyping individuals, breeders can pinpoint desirable traits and preserve genetic diversity within populations. Similarly, in biodiversity conservation, NGS plays a pivotal role in managing endangered species such as cheetahs. Through genetic analysis, conservationists can mitigate the risks associated with inbreeding and ensure the health and sustainability of populations.

NGS technology offers extensive applications in genomics, enabling researchers to unravel complex genetic information at an unprecedented pace. However, as technology advances, there must also be a corresponding advancement in understanding. With the current adoption of sequencing methods like NGS, data generation in the medical field exceeds the capacity for comprehension.

Achieving ISO 15189 Accreditation

In terms of compliance, FutureGen Labs holds accreditation under ISO 15189, an international standard of exceptional healthcare that outlines criteria for quality and competence within a medical laboratory.

Expanding Reproductive Testing Options

Initially, FutureGen Labs focused on providing Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), which involves screening embryos before implantation to identify significant genetic defects that could impact live birth rates or increase the risk of birth defects.

Subsequently, the company expanded its offerings to include Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M), catering to families seeking to reduce the chances of transmitting specific genetic conditions to future generations.

Additionally, FutureGen Labs provides Products of Conception (POC) testing, aiding in determining whether a miscarriage occurred as a result of a genetic abnormality. This diagnostic service offers insights into future management options, as approximately 50% of miscarriages are associated with chromosomal abnormalities.

In the realm of reproductive testing, FutureGen Labs offers Endometrial Receptivity Testing (ER-T), which identifies the optimal window for embryo implantation based on gene expression profile. This test offers improved accuracy, especially in cases where hormone markers may not reliably predict the ideal implantation window, which occurs in approximately 10% of cases.

Lastly, the company offers carrier screening, a targeted test that facilitates informed family planning by identifying certain critical genetic conditions within families to reduce the risk of passing them on to future generations.

Optimizing Reproductive Success

FutureGen Labs’ solutions have significantly impacted the reproductive domain by working together with professional and reputable IVF centers in South Africa, thereby enhancing the prospects of success while ensuring a seamless experience for individuals.

A notable reproductive challenge arises from individuals typically commencing family planning in their early thirties after achieving financial stability. Often, they spend several months to a year attempting natural conception before seeking specialized medical intervention. This delay can result in couples reaching their mid-thirties without success, prompting them to consult IVF specialists. However, this initial delay places them at heightened risk for aneuploidy due to decreased fertility and aging eggs. FutureGen Labs’ tests, such as PGT-A, serve to address these challenges and, together with IVF centers, improve outcomes in such cases.

Expanding Access

Operating locally and offering affordable services to South Africans, FutureGen Labs envisions broader accessibility to ensure more of the populace can benefit from these services. This accessibility is poised to enhance health outcomes for individuals seeking to build healthy families. At FutureGen Labs, the belief is that reproductive genetic health services should not be exclusive to a privileged few in society due to financial limitations. The focus is on alleviating the burden of disease. While control over communicable diseases may be limited, addressing inherited diseases remains within reach.

Staying Current in Healthcare Regulations

FutureGen Labs remains updated by closely monitoring current trends in legislation and regulations, particularly those pertaining to treatments and genetics.

As registered members of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, they adhere to a system designed to ensure practitioners maintain currency in their respective fields. This system, known as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), mandates the acquisition of points through participation in conferences or congresses focused on specific topics where new techniques and advancements are deliberated. An accumulation of these points is crucial for maintaining validity and registration within the South African healthcare system.

Furthermore, FutureGen Labs actively engages with special interest groups that are relevant to their areas of expertise. These groups, such as the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGDIS) group, provide updated recommendations and guidelines that are regularly disseminated among members, including FutureGen Labs.

Striving for Excellence

Since the inception of FutureGen Labs, the focus has been on achieving excellence in their field. Over the past four years, they have solidified their position as the leading reproductive genetic specialists in South Africa. Specializing in reproductive genetics has been their niche, leveraging both human resources employed in their laboratories and cutting-edge technology. Looking ahead, their goal for the next decade is to expand their repertoire to include a broader range of prenatal and postnatal tests, further establishing themselves as the primary authority in reproductive genetics, not only in Southern Africa but across the entire continent.

Harnessing Passion for Success

Adele imparts a singular piece of advice that she shares with her children and anyone willing to listen: “Passion is key to achieving success. Having a genuine interest in and excitement about one’s pursuits serves as a driving force towards success. It instills a sense of purpose, motivating individuals to wake up each morning eager to share their knowledge and skills with the world.” Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of staying focused on a goal. By selecting something of value and remaining committed to it, individuals avoid diversions and distractions that may hinder progress. Adele underscores the significance of specialization, cautioning against spreading oneself too thin. She believes that contributing to the world in a unique and meaningful way is the hallmark of greatness.