Sequence Bio launches genetics study of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Nov 10, 2025

sequence bio launches genetics study of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

New study aims to determine if genetic factors identified in Newfoundland and Labrador families contribute to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Together with local respirologist Dr. Gokul Vidyasankar, radiologist Dr. Scott Harris, and volunteering participants, Sequence Bio is proud to collaborate on a new research study focusing on the genetics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Newfoundland and Labrador families.

Through this study, Sequence Bio aims to determine how specific genetic differences between individuals with IPF and their unaffected relatives contribute to the development of the disease. 

"IPF is a relentlessly progressive lung disease that often starts with a frustrating, multi-year path to diagnosis." said Lynn Healey, Chief Executive Officer of Sequence Bio. “Irreversible lung damage may have already occurred by the time a diagnosis is made, and patients then discover that current medicines can only slow the decline of lung function, but not stop or reverse it. That’s why our research is so critical. By better understanding the genetic causes of IPF, we believe we can help accelerate the development of new, more definitive diagnosis methods and effective therapies."

Sequence Bio aims to identify both known and novel genetic variants in families with multiple cases of IPF and evaluate whether any of those variants contribute to disease risk. They will then look for those same variants in an unrelated set of individuals to determine their role in the development of IPF.

Dr. Tom Barber, the study's Principal Investigator and Sequence Bio's Chief Scientific Officer, explained the advantage of conducting this research in Newfoundland and Labrador: "Because the current population largely descends from a relatively small group of settlers, certain genetic traits that are rare in other parts of the world, including disease-causing variants, may be more common here. In fact, previous research has shown an enrichment of familial IPF in Newfoundland, suggesting the presence of specific genetic mutations contributing to the disease in the population. This study is designed to identify these and other previously unknown genetic links to IPF that are more frequent here and have global relevance for understanding and treating this disease."

It is Sequence Bio's hope that genetic variants identified through this study will lead to diagnostic markers and novel targets for the discovery and development of innovative treatments.

Enrollment in the Study of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is by referral from Dr. Vidyasankar. 

About the Study of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Through this study, Sequence Bio is aiming to characterize the genetic architecture of IPF, including both known and novel genetic causes of the disease in the Newfoundland and Labrador population. Current collaborators include Dr. Gokul Vidyasankar, Associate Professor of Medicine (Respirology) at Memorial University and Medical Director and Division Head of Respirology with NL Health Services, and Dr. Scott Harris, Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiology at Memorial University and Radiologist with NL Health Services. The study’s Principal Investigator is Sequence Bio’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Tom Barber. 

Sequence Bio would like to thank these collaborators and the participants who consented to join the Study of IPF for enabling this research.

About Sequence Bio

Sequence Bio is researching the genetic characteristics of the Newfoundland and Labrador founder population to identify and validate novel drug targets, helping to accelerate the discovery of new treatments for diseases with high unmet medical need. Sequence Bio is proudly based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. 

For more information about Sequence Bio and its research, please contact us at hi@sequencebio.com or 1.800.296.3481.