Florida’s genome sequencing and the future of medicine

The American Dream is built on opportunity. This is an opportunity to lead, innovate and change your life. There is no deeper opportunity anywhere than medicine, where scientific breakthroughs can mean the difference between life and death. Florida stands on the cliff to become a national leader in medical research and innovation.

Over 30 million Americans suffer from rare diseases. Many of them are children who have no chance to live a perfect, healthy life. But we have the power to change that. Advances in genetic testing provide opportunities to diagnose and treat diseases at birth, but too many families still endure years of uncertainty, misdiagnosis and unnecessary suffering. Florida is stepping up to finish that diagnostic odyssey.

We have a moral and economic obligation to act. Therefore, on National Rare Disease Day 2025, we presented the Sunshine Genetics Act, HB 907, at the Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases Research at Florida State University. This groundbreaking law establishes a free opt-in neonatal genetic testing program that can diagnose more than 600 disorders at birth. It also unites Florida’s top research institutions, specialized children’s hospitals and biotechnology leaders in the first consortium dedicated to advance genetic research and discovering treatments. This is how we turn Florida into a hub of scientific discovery, where the best and brightest will tackle the toughest medical challenges of our time.

Science is clear. Infant genome sequencing saves lives and improves health outcomes. Diagnosing children with rare diseases requires an average of 4-5 years, over 7 years of travel to professionals and an overnight NICU state trip. Genomic sequencing provides answers over a few days and provides early access to treatment. You will not be allowed to leave that opportunity. Beyond moral obligations, this is also a sound investment. Genetic testing can save hundreds of millions of dollars in health care systems a year by reducing the need for expensive professional visits and NICU stays. The future of medicine is coming to Florida, and we are guaranteed that the state will lead the way.

Our commitment to this vision is already recognized. The FSU Center received a $5 million award at Florida State University’s Rare Disease Symposium Institute last year. This is a testament to Florida’s dedication to medical research. This investment shows you are ready to take things to the next level.

However, the government alone cannot address this challenge. We are working together to create an ecosystem where the private sector and research institutions push the boundaries of what is possible. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals invested $119.5 million in the Truveta Genome Project, leveraging AI and big data to carry out genetic research. The Baylor College of Medicine has been awarded a $3.5 million grant to bring genomic medicine to NICU in underserved communities. Florida needs to attract these types of investments. By fostering a cutting-edge research environment, we bring the best minds, the most ambitious projects, and the most important scientific advancements to our nation.

Florida has the opportunity to lead for a generation. We don’t just invest in science. We are investing in hope. The hope that parents must endure years of unanswered questions, the hope that the next important medical breakthrough will come from our lab, and that Florida will be at the forefront of the most transformative progress in history.

To all scientists, investors and innovators looking for the next frontier – Florida welcomes you. The future of medicine is written here, and together we will change our lives.

Rep. Adam Anderson represents a portion of Pinellas County and chairs the Healthcare Facilities and Systems Subcommittee.