We are, and therefore we must be represented

By: Arthur Garcia

Less than 5 percent of Latinos are represented in clinical research, yet we represent a growing 18 percent of the total US Population. At SOMOS this is a disparity that we are working tirelessly to change. Why is this important? Well as therapeutics and drugs are being prescribed for you and your family, there is peace of mind in knowing that people like you were a part of the studies. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute all humans are 99.9 percent alike in our genetic makeup. Are you surprised? The answer to improving health and disease prevention can be found in the remaining 0.1 percent and this is why I am excited about creating a movement to ensure a greater number of representation is achieved. 

How do we get there?

For the past five years, my co-founders Fererico and Christian who are both Medical Doctors have been building relationships and trust with Indigenous Nations in Mexico and South America. This work has led to the integration of DNA samples and build our database and algorithms to produce unique reference panels used to provide our state of the art latino ancestry service. This is only made possible through our collaboration with the Indigenous communities we have partnered with which includes: incentive alignment, data governance, data security. For the past two years, DNA Kits have been atop the most popular gifts purchased on Amazon and an estimated 26MM+ people have taken these home tests. I believe our approach is what differentiates our work and our early customers have validated the delight which we aim to deliver to them during the moments of ancestral discovery.  

Join us
I have spent the majority of my career in sales, specifically in the accounting and small business technology space. In 2020, my passion to help businesses was met with an equally strong drive to help people with a focus on health.
The time is right and the need is great, we have seen how largely disproportionate the impact COVID-19 has had on the Black, Native American, and Latino community has been.
Now is the time, and creating awareness of the lack of representation is the start, then comes action to be an active participant. Join us to contribute to advancement in Latinos and Native Americans scientific research. Unidos SOMOS la fuerza!