Genetic Alliance rebrands global rare disease genomics network as RISE

Genetic Alliance has renamed its global no-cost rare disease sequencing program from iHope to RISE, reflecting a network that now spans nine laboratories, 26 clinical sites and two software partners across 19 countries. The rebrand comes as the program passes 4,000 children tested and keeps services, referrals and care unchanged for families.

Why it matters: - RISE gives Genetic Alliance a new identity for a global rare disease genomics network that has expanded from a small clinic-and-lab effort into a distributed program across multiple countries. - The program has already provided no-cost genomic sequencing to more than 4,000 people worldwide. - The network continues to report diagnostic and care-impact results that make genomic testing more actionable for families and clinicians.

What happened: - Genetic Alliance announced that its no-cost clinical genomic testing program for children with suspected rare genetic conditions is now called RISE, short for Rare Insights, Solutions, Empowerment. - The program was previously known as iHope. - The new name and visual identity were announced Sept. 14, 2026, in Damascus, Md. - The parallel research program previously known as HOPE has been renamed ASCEND, or Advancing Science and Care with Exploratory and Needs-driven Discovery.

The details: - The network now includes nine laboratories, 26 clinical sites and two software partners in 19 countries. - More than 4,000 individuals have received genomic sequencing through the program at no cost to their families. - The network has broadened beyond diagnostic testing to include translational research, care pathways, new sequencing technology and software partnerships. - The program has been documented in more than 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers, along with conference proceedings and media coverage. - The network diagnoses more than 40% of people it tests. - Up to 70% of diagnosed patients receive a change in medical management. - ASCEND is built around three pillars: longitudinal outcomes, multiomic resolution and AI-native translational research tools. - Longitudinal outcomes track participants over time to see how genomic results change care. - Multiomic resolution uses reanalysis and multiomic methods for cases that remain unsolved after standard genetic testing. - AI-native translational research tools are designed to extract insights from structured and unstructured data and identify novel therapeutic agents. - The RISE visual identity uses a rising sun, a central figure representing the people served by the network, yellow for continuity and hope, and blue for security and perseverance. - The program tagline is “Together, we RISE.” - RISE is supported by partners across the genomics ecosystem, including founding partner Illumina Inc, PacBio, the Helmsley Charitable Trust, enGenome, Lucid Genomics and the Alexion Charitable Foundation. - The network is still accepting new laboratory, clinical, technology and philanthropic partners. - Testing, referrals and care continue unchanged for families and partner institutions. - More information is available at RISE's website.

Between the lines: - The rename signals that Genetic Alliance wants the brand to match a network that now functions as a global infrastructure layer for rare disease diagnosis, research and care coordination. - The shift from iHope to RISE also puts more emphasis on outcomes and reach, not just access to sequencing. - The continued use of the same services suggests the change is meant to be organizational and strategic, not disruptive for families already in the program.

What's next: - Genetic Alliance expects the RISE network to keep growing as it adds new partners. - ASCEND is likely to drive more research on long-term outcomes, unresolved cases and AI-assisted discovery. - Updated logos and brand materials are available on request.