The UK has become the first nation in the world to complete the largest genome sequencing project in healthcare, the government has announced.
genome sequencing
The 100,000 Genomes Project has reached its goal of sequencing 100,000 whole genomes, bringing better treatments to NHS patients with rare diseases and cancer and improved diagnoses.
Led by Genomics England and NHS England, the project was launched in 2012 and would use whole genome sequencing technology in the aim to better identify those at risk from rare diseases and provide personalised treatments to give patients the best chance of recovery.
Since the launch of the project, one in four patients with rare diseases have received a diagnosis for the very first time.
Now, the project is aiming to sequence 5 million genomes in the UK over the next five years, as announced by health and social care secretary Matt Hancock. Hancock also announced the launch of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, through which seriously ill children and adults with certain rare diseases or cancers will be offered whole genome sequencing as part of their care from 2019.
Speaking about the project, health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said: “Sequencing the 100,000th genome is a major milestone in the route to the healthcare of the future. From Crick and Watson onwards, Britain has led the world in this amazing technology. We do so again today as we map a course to sequencing a million genomes.
"Understanding the human code on such a scale is part of our mission to provide truly personalised care to help patients live longer, healthier and happier lives.I’m incredibly excited about the potential of this type of technology to unlock the next generation of treatments, diagnose diseases earlier, save lives and enable patients to take greater control of their own health.”
Sir John Chisholm, chair of Genomics England, said: “At launch the 100,000 Genomes Project was a bold ambition to corral the UK’s renowned skills in genomic science and combine them with the strengths of a truly national health service in order to propel the UK into a global leadership position in population genomics.
With this announcement, that ambition has been achieved. The results of this will be felt for many generations to come as the benefits of genomic medicine in the UK unfold.”