Rightangled: Changing the Way We Look at DNA

Archive: this article dates from 2019 and is retained as a historical record. The products and services described are no longer offered in the form presented here.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Rightangled was founded to address part of that problem through genetics.

How the company started

The origin of the company was personal. The concept of providing genetic testing for patients with cardiac conditions came from a need identified within a co-founder's own family: a close relative who had survived several strokes, whose medication appeared not to be working and who was experiencing side effects without improvement.

The suspected explanation was a mismatch between the drug and the patient's genetics — a pharmacogenetic issue. When a genetic test was requested to optimise treatment, none was available.

The approach

Rightangled's early DNA tests set out to differ from recreational ancestry testing by considering lifestyle and environmental factors alongside the genetic profile. Tests were ordered online, a saliva collection kit was posted to the customer, and results were returned with a specialist review rather than as raw data.

"Our mission is to improve quality of life. It's about giving patients the information they need to help improve their condition — whether that's through avoiding a particular drug, taking the right medication, or making a dietary change."

The early Heart DNA Test examined genetic markers relevant to cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and inherited thrombophilia. A recurring theme in the company's early work was that clinicians recognised the potential of genetic testing but often lacked specialist genomics training to interpret results — so reports were written to explain what markers meant in practice.

Early support

The company undertook research and development with support from Birmingham Research Park and raised £400,000 through equity crowdfunding in 2017. A second product, the Fitness DNA Test, followed, covering diet and exercise response.

"Rightangled is about giving a different perspective on how healthcare should be. Every healthcare provider around the world knows the importance of personalising healthcare, because it is the only way we can improve quality of care and, at the same time, reduce costs."

Note: the specific products referenced above are no longer available, and the company's services have changed considerably since this article was written.

About Rightangled today

Rightangled is a UK-registered online pharmacy offering prescription treatments, home blood tests and DNA tests. All results are reviewed by our clinical team, which includes GPhC-registered independent prescribers, with medical oversight from our doctor, Dr Abdullah.

This page is retained as a historical record.