The Vitiligo Research Foundation's (VRF) cloud-based bioinformatics platform enables discoveries for vitiligo through medical records management and genetic analysis. It aggregates data from various sources to increase research data quantity and allows cross-analysis of phenotypes, genotypes, and blood tests. The platform provides workspaces for collaboration and data sharing between researchers, doctors, patients, and labs. Its goal is to develop objective vitiligo diagnosis tests by identifying genetic and lifestyle factors through large-scale analysis of structured patient data.

1. Vitiligo Research Foundation
Presentation
VRF Bioinformatics platform
enabling discoveries for Vitiligo via cloud
based Medical Records Management
and genetic analysis

2. Introduction
About Cyscom
• Technology software vendor, UK based with offices in Europe and Asia
• Specializes in cloud (internet based) software delivered as a service model
• Range of business applications for industry (finance, health care, retail…)
• Unique in data analytics and interactive visualisation, using only browser
• First in market with cloud based BioInformatics platform and applications
• Developed VRF Bioinformatics platform with MRM
• Launching with Oxford University, cloud based biomarker platform
enabling targeted clinical trials for new generation of personalized cancer
drugs (600 currently in pipeline) – expected 30-40% trial cost savings

3. Introduction
World map of Vitiligo presence across countries
New innovative cloud based technologies and research tools positively
impact for finding discoveries for orphan diseases such as Vitiligo

4. Introduction
Combining science & cutting edge computing technology
the goal is to be develop objective and reproducible tests that diagnose
susceptibility to Vitiligo.
The challenge: the role of various genetic and
lifestyle factors are complex and make the
current simple genetic testing of limited use.
VRF approach: dramatically increase the
quantity of research data including patient
profile, medical records, SNPs tested and
environmental factors
More research can identify genetic and
lifestyle factors that contribute to Vitiligo

5. Introduction
Combining science & cutting edge computing technology
Current limitations for genetic analysis becoming a diagnostic tool
• available research data sets are largely current tools are not collaborative
unstructured with inconsistent methodologies,
reporting methods and measurements
• size and breadth of evidence is insufficient to
draw definitive conclusions (e.g China as
population is typically not factored in any data
set)
• priceless genetic research data is often locked
in ‘information silos, namely in research
institutions
• lack of available tools to structure and analyze
the increasing volume of research data being
generated

6. Bioinformatics platform
2 new advancements introduce possibilities for a breakthrough
Cloud Medical Records Management (MRM) + more efficient genetic analysis
dramatically increases the quantity of data than can be collected, analyzed
Patient genotyping Patient data collection

7. Bioinformatics platform
Introducing the VRF Bioinformatics platform for Vitiligo
Platform Highlights
• Cloud based innovation – no software to install
• Database of Genes, SNPs associated to Vitiligo
• Medical Records Management
• Bio-repository for unified data sets, knowledgebase
• Tools for cross-analysis of phenotype, genotype & blood tests
• Private research workspaces for collaboration & data sharing

8. Bioinformatics platform
VRF Development Road Map and Deployment Plans
Cloud Medical Records Management (MRM) + more efficient genetic analysis
dramatically increases the quantity of data than can be collected, analyzed
Phase 1 (completed) Phase 2 (Q3 2011)
Platform Tools for Researchers Platform Tools for Doctors, Patients. Labs
- Extensive Database of Genes, SNPs - User self registration and provisioning of
Workspaces for managing health records
- Repository of 125 + blood properties
with norms, calculation rules - Collaboration tools to manage interactions
between for doctors, patients and labs
- MRM: Patients records with diseases,
examinations, analysis, treatments - Lab order management system Gene
analysis and Blood exam
- Statistical analysis tools: cross-analysis of
phenotype, genotype and blood test results - Knowledgebase for Vitiligo research,
treatments, clinics, physicians
- Private Researcher Workspaces
- Vitiligo community site, clinical trials, support
- Collaboration tools to share research data
groups, new treatment approaches
with other researchers

9. Bioinformatics platform
Bioinformatics platform for collaboration and sharing data
Platform components and tools provide ready R&D environment, genetic
analysis services and patient medical histories
• Secure, private R&D workspaces with testing records and genotype analytical tools
• Patient workspaces to order gene analysis, medical history and treatment records
• Physician workspaces to order gene analysis, patient records and treatment info
• Community for professionals to track patients post-testing and treatment + support groups

10. Bioinformatics platform
Bioinformatics data collection and aggregation
Gene Data Bank: central global repository for quantifiable and verifiable
statistics on genetic research for Vitiligo
• R&D institutions: free access to repository to
upload test data with analytical tools
• NCBI: meta analysis of published research
papers and articles
• Physicians: voluntarily provide anonymous
patient data e.g. gene analysis services
• Consumers: opt-in to disclose anonymous
medical history and gene analysis results
Data collection is key for generating discoveries

11. Extensive database aggregated and verified
Bio-repository empowers researchers and physicians to obtain the most
accurate and recent genetic links to melanoma/vitiligo
Database compiled, normalized and structured for fast analysis and comparison of test
results across multiple genetic and patient related factors

12. Technology powered analytics
Cloud computational tools analyze large data sets
Cutting edge Bioinfomatics tools analyze gene carrier risk to Vitiligo
• access and analyze data
via internet, any browser,
device or O/S
• data visualisation tools
with real time data
• interactive, visual controls
with drill downs
• browser based with no
software downloads
• analyze/query millions of
records in 1-2 seconds
• share & collaborate on
discoveries with
researchers, doctors

13. Technology powered analytics
Advanced graphical interface enables users to analyze patient profiles
and genotypes to discover relationships and patterns
Interactive data visualisation
software enables analysis over any
number of complex dependencies
• Find active genes that contribute to
increase/decrease in de-pigmentation
• Co-relate Vitiligo to Sex, Age, Weight,
Skin Type, Hair Color….
• Track and measure Vitiligo progress
with examination records and
treatments
Stratify patients by blood test results
that co-relate to disease progress

14. Technology powered analytics
Advanced graphical interface enables users to analyze patient profiles
and genotypes to discover relationships and patterns
Stratify patients, by genotype results that co-relate to disease progress

15. Technology powered analytics
Deep Zoom Imagery analyzes and compares progression of disease by
patient, genotype, treatment, stages and other criteria
High Resolution (100 MB+/image) images converted to Deep Zoom format for fast
vizualisation and analysis of 10,000 + images in 1-2 seconds

16. Technology powered diagnostics
Post-analysis, web application enables doctors and patient to analyse
& interpret results based on patient profile & medical history
Patient Records Management + Interactive analytics enables discovering correlations
between genotype, blood tests, patient profile and medical history
- Patient statistics
- Examinations
- Symptoms
- Analyses results
- Diseases
- Treatments
- Disease progression

17. Advancements in developing treatment
The cloud is the perfect environment to share and exchange data that
can produce breakthroughs in medical science
The power of social media to share information with family, relations, health care professionals
• Share your genetic profile: look for
similar conditions in other people,
especially family members
• Let doctors and research scientists
view your profile to identify links with
other patients that share the same
genotype
Share the melanoma/vitiligo treatments that worked for you

18. Benefits
VRF Bioinformatics delivers benefits across health care consumers,
professional communities and businesses
For Individuals & Families
become aware of health risk factors and manage risks across a lifetime with a
preventive treatment approach
For Health Care Professionals
utilize genetic analysis as an important diagnostic tool for understanding patient
health risks and find extensive research studies with recommended treatment
For Researchers & Scientists
deep analysis of large patient population’s genetic profiles, lifestyle factors,
diseases and treatment results provides important data on what drugs can be
effective in treating specific genetic related diseases
For Businesses
manage key employee health risks including health insurance and medical care
costs

19. Questions?
Contact Information
Thanks for watching!
Prem Couture, Cyscom Yan Valle, VRF Foundation
prem@cyscom.com yan@vrf.org