Patients not benefiting from UK's genomic expertise

The UK's global standing in genomics may be undermined if patients are unable to access this expertise, according to a new report.

The report, released by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), highlights the importance of genomic services to the UK economy, with over 140 companies in the sector together having an estimated turnover of £2.4 billion. However, it claims the country is behind in deploying improved genetics services for patient benefit.

'The UK has consistently demonstrated its proficiency in genomics and has solidified its position as a leader in the field for many years', said APBI chief executive, Dr Richard Torbett. 'Though industry is already working with the NHS to increase access to genomic medicine, more needs to be done to ensure the very best patient outcomes.'

The report outlines ways in which the NHS and pharmaceutical sector can collaborate to allow patients to benefit from the latest genomic treatments and improve the quality of care provided.

For example, newborn babies in the UK are only screened for nine conditions at birth compared to European counterparts such as Italy, Iceland, and Poland, who screen for four times as many conditions (see BioNews 1120).

The report provides a range of recommendations to improve the genomic medicine services available across the UK for world-leading patient care. Moreover, to ensure that genomic data can be used to further develop our understanding of genetic conditions and treatments for them.

'Our recommendations are intended to help the Government, the NHS and the science community work more effectively to help patients feel the benefits of the UK's world-leading genomics capability.' said Dr Torbett.

NHS England has recently rolled out rapid whole genome sequencing for seriously ill children, with a single blood test returning results provided within seven days (see BioNews 1163). This will allow many children to avoid a long 'diagnostic odyssey' of many separate tests, and to start appropriate treatment at the earliest possible opportunity.

A pilot scheme is also trialling whole genome sequencing for newborns (see BioNews 1144).