Bystro AI: A New Frontier in Genetic Health Insights

Bystro AI, a Boston-based startup founded in 2021 by Alex Kotlar, is launching an AI chatbot designed to help users interpret their genetic test results. The service allows individuals to inquire about optimizing their diet, exercise, and understanding their risks for serious illnesses such as kidney disease and Alzheimer’s. The company plans to offer a consumer version for $10 per month, targeting users of genetic testing services like Ancestry and 23andMe, while a professional version will be priced between $200 and $300 per month for healthcare providers and researchers.

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Alex Kotlar's personal history significantly informs his entrepreneurial journey. Born in Ukraine in 1986, he and his family fled the Chernobyl disaster zone shortly after his birth. After emigrating to the United States in 1991, Kotlar faced numerous health challenges, including surgeries for cartilage issues. His academic background includes a doctorate in genetics from Emory University, where he focused on developing tools for extracting useful information from genetic data. This foundation led to the creation of Bystro, which aims to empower users by providing insights into their genetic predispositions.

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Bystro AI utilizes a system trained on extensive research in human genetics and health. Users can ask questions about their genetic traits and potential health risks. For example, individuals of African descent may learn about a gene that increases their risk of kidney disease. However, experts like Lindsay Farrer, a professor of genetics at Boston University, caution that genetics often plays a minor role in many health conditions, with environmental and lifestyle factors being more significant.

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Critics of Bystro AI express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of genetic insights for the average consumer. Samuel Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University, emphasizes that lifestyle choices and environmental factors typically have a more substantial impact on health than genetic predispositions. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy, as users may be apprehensive about sharing their genetic data, even though Kotlar asserts that Bystro does not utilize personal data for training its AI.

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Kotlar advocates for the right of individuals to access information about their health, stating, “I think that there is latent in people a desire to have control over their health.” He believes that Bystro will resonate with the 40% of U.S. residents who have undergone genetic testing, allowing them to engage in meaningful conversations about their biology.

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As Bystro AI prepares to launch its services, the company aims to attract users interested in leveraging their genetic information for health optimization. The success of this venture will depend on user acceptance, the effectiveness of the AI in providing actionable insights, and addressing the privacy concerns surrounding genetic data.

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• “With Bystro, anyone with a genome and a question can start a conversation with their own biology,” — Alex Kotlar, Founder of Bystro AI

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• “Even if there was a signal that came out of the genetic code, that’s likely to be dwarfed by your lifestyle choices [or] the location where you were born,” — Samuel Scarpino, Director of AI and Life Sciences at Northeastern University

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• “genetic profiles of most individuals increase risk for common diseases of adulthood and the elderly by some fraction usually well below 50 percent. Not 100 percent.” — Lindsay Farrer, Professor of Genetics at Boston University

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