Genome sequencing in Scotland has received a major cash boost, following a £6 million investment into the Scottish Genomes Partnership (SGP), which will begin working with Genomics England on the 100,000 Genomes Project.
The SGP, led by the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow in collaboration with the NHS in England and Scotland, was founded in 2015 to conduct genomic research into rare diseases, cancer and Scottish populations using whole-genome sequencing technology, purchased in a partnership with Illumina.
The latest investment, which includes £4 million from the Scottish Government and £2 million from the UK's Medical Research Council, will enable the genomes of over 3000 people in Scotland to be sequenced. The SGP will also work with Genomics England on the diagnosis of patients in Scotland with rare genetic diseases.
Announcing the investment, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP said: 'Through our investment in the Scottish Genomes Partnership and the collaboration with the Medical Research Council and Genomics England, NHS Scotland may be able to offer more rapid diagnosis to rare-disease patients or a diagnosis where one hasn't been possible before, improving the lives of patients with these conditions.'
Chief Scientist at Genomics England, Professor Mark Caulfield, said: 'I am delighted that Scotland is joining the 100,000 Genomes Project. This will bring new diagnoses for patients with rare disease and extends the benefits further across the UK.'
The SGP is aiming to enrol the first patients from NHS Scotland during summer 2016.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.