ASL Bari and FirstSteps Greece partner for newborn genomic screening

ASL Bari, through the Genoma Puglia program, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Beginnings – Newborn Sequencing Initiative (BNSI), the promoter of the FirstSteps Greece program. The 24-month non-binding agreement aims to foster scientific and operational collaboration for the early genomic diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.

The partnership will allow both programs to exchange expertise on clinical protocols, informed consent, gene selection, genomic variant interpretation, and follow-up organization. The agreement adheres to European GDPR regulations and does not involve the automatic exchange of personal data, biological samples, economic obligations, or intellectual property transfers.

The agreement was formalized during an international event at the University of Bari's Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Environment. The Genoma Puglia program, supported by the genetic medicine laboratory at Bari's Ospedale Di Venere, is recognized as one of the most advanced newborn genomic screening programs in Europe.