Innovative ‘omics for personalised medicine

 

Impact

The AHSN network hosted the report launch (necessarily online due to COVID restrictions) where prominent health sector leaders had the opportunity to discuss implications from the report with the AHSN network and PHG Foundation.

Background

The AHSN network comprises the group of Academic Health Science Networks tasked with supporting health innovation in England and bringing new technologies and practices into the NHS. Personalised medicine is an important theme within that remit.

This report looks at the unique ways that the ‘omics era can help define our future health care, and I’m thrilled so many eminent scientists and healthcare specialists have contributed to this vital research

Prof Sir Mark Caulfield (Chief Scientist, Genomics England)

With the launch of the NHS National Genomic Medicine Service and National Genomic Test Directory in 2019, the impact of genomics and genomics-based technologies approaches on the delivery of healthcare was increasing rapidly.

The AHSN Network commissioned PHG Foundation to produce a report in support of that work. Providing an evidence review of genomics and genomic technologies likely to impact the delivery of personalised medicine in the NHS in the next two to three years.

What we did

The report Genomic innovation: technologies for personalised medicine provided a general introduction to the national AHSN Network Personalised Medicine Programme and dedicated chapters to five ‘omic technologies transforming the personalised medicine landscape:

  • Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA)
  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Transcriptomics
  • Near-patient testing to support antimicrobial stewardship
  • Genetically modified regenerative medicines

In gathering evidence for each topic, we interviewed leading researchers and clinical specialists before assessing the technology, its clinical utility and current state of implementation.

Our report also includes recommendations for the implementation in the NHS of each technology.

‘I hope this timely and informative report will also be of value to the wider health and social care system in guiding future developments and action’

Tony Davis (Director of Innovation & Economic Growth, West Midlands Academic Health Science Network)

Outcomes

The report was well received by the 15 regional AHSN organisations, health service policy makers and other NHS stakeholders.

film based upon the report was commissioned by the AHSN Network, hosted by Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Chief Scientist of Genomics England, and with contributions from Hilary Newiss, Chair of National Voices, Matthew Whitty, Chief Executive of Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) and colleagues from industry body ABPI, Health Education England and the report authors from PHG Foundation and The AHSN Network.

The AHSN network hosted the report launch (necessarily online due to COVID restrictions) where prominent health sector leaders had the opportunity to discuss implications from the report with the AHSN network and PHG Foundation.