Govt To Focus On Gene Treatments

A report to Government on genomic technology published on Wednesday has called for greater use of gene therapy in the health service.

The report from the Human Genomics Strategy Group, chaired by Professor Sir John Bell, analysed the UK’s use of genetics research to date and proposes a "strategic vision" to realise the future benefit of genomics.

According to the report, NHS patients should be able to benefit from genomic technology, which can improve the health service’s understanding of the nature of disease.

Considerable government investment over the past decade – more than £50 million – has meant that genetic tests for more than 1,000 diseases, including sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis and some forms of cancer, are now available via the NHS. This has resulted in large numbers of patients and their families benefiting from a precise diagnosis.

Chair of the Human Genomics Strategy Group, Professor Sir John Bell said: “Genomics expands our knowledge beyond single gene analysis to the whole genome, increasing our ability to gauge an individual’s risk of disease and support better diagnosis and treatment. The UK is a leader in genomic research.

“The Human Genomics Strategy Group wants to see this position maintained – and built upon. This will take a concerted effort from all the key players in research, academia, industry and the NHS.

“Our recommendations to the Government lay out key steps that can be taken now and in the near future to realise this goal.

“Adopting the recommendations in our report would lead to further revolutionary developments in our ability to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, and I urge the Government to consider these.”

(DW)