His data will be analysed by researchers to help
speed up diagnoses and develop new treatments for
patients with cancer and rare diseases as part of
ongoing efforts to make healthcare more diverse and
inclusive.
Secretary of State
said:
“I am extremely proud to be taking part in this study
which is helping make sure that everyone, no matter
their background, can benefit from our world-leading
genomic research programmes.
“Genomics England’s vital initiative will sequence
the genomes of those who are under-represented in
research data so that we can develop better
treatments and transform healthcare for all.”
To date, studies of human genetics have often been
based on volunteers of European ancestry which means
these communities may not be benefitting the genomic
healthcare revolution. This has also contributed to
the misdiagnosis of gene-disease relationships, poor
‘generalisability’ of research findings across
different populations, and substantial barriers in
safe and effective translation of genomic research
into clinical care for everyone.
Genomics England is helping to reduce health
inequalities by working in partnership with
communities to analyse data from an increasingly
diverse population, to rapidly improve the
representation of under-represented groups in genetic
data sets and research.
Genomics England CEO Chris Wigley said:
“Genomics has the potential to transform healthcare.
The technology can provide new and faster diagnoses
and enable the development of life-changing
treatments for those with rare diseases, cancer and
other conditions.
“However it has to work for all of us, and those who
have non-European ancestry have been
under-represented in research data and therefore risk
not getting equal benefit as this comes into the
mainstream of patient care. Through our Diverse Data
Initiative we are making important progress in
addressing that problem.”
By taking part in the initiative, the Health
Secretary is now part of a community of research
participants whose data is stored securely and
anonymously by Genomics England among over 140,000
human genomes.
His blood sample will now be mapped by a sequencing
lab at the Sanger Centre near Cambridge and stored in
the National Genomic Research Library, alongside
other participants of the 100,000 Genomes Project and
the GenOMICC COVID-19 Study.
The new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
(OHID)
- launching on 1 October - will lead national efforts
to level up public health by preventing illness and
supporting people of all ages and in all parts of the
country to live healthier lives.
The OHID
will be a vital part of the Department of Health and
Social Care and will drive the prevention agenda
across government to reduce health disparities, many
of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19
pandemic.
