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Britain to set up disease DNA database
December 11, 2012, Tuesday
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UP to 100,000 Britons suffering from cancer and rare diseases are to have their genetic codes sequenced and mapped as part of government plans to build a DNA database to boost drug discovery and development.
Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday he wanted Britain to "push the boundaries" of scientific research by being the first country to introduce genetic sequencing into a mainstream health service.
His government has set aside 100 million pounds (US$160 million) for the project over the next three to five years.
"Britain has often led the world in scientific breakthroughs and medical innovations, from the first CT scan and test-tube baby through to decoding DNA," he said.
The government said building a database of DNA profiles would give doctors more advanced understanding of patients' genetic make-up, their illness and their treatment needs. It should help those who are sick get access to the right drugs and more personalized care more quickly.
The database would also help scientists develop new drugs and other treatments.
"If we get this right," Cameron said, "we could transform how we diagnose and treat our most complex diseases not only here but across the world, while enabling our best scientists to discover the next wonder drug or breakthrough technology."
However, some critics are concerned about how the data will be used and shared with third parties, including commercial organizations such as drug companies.
Genewatch, a campaign group fighting for genetic science and technologies to be used in the public interest, said anyone with access to the database could use the codes to identify and track every individual on it and their relatives.
(Reuters)
Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday he wanted Britain to "push the boundaries" of scientific research by being the first country to introduce genetic sequencing into a mainstream health service.
His government has set aside 100 million pounds (US$160 million) for the project over the next three to five years.
"Britain has often led the world in scientific breakthroughs and medical innovations, from the first CT scan and test-tube baby through to decoding DNA," he said.
The government said building a database of DNA profiles would give doctors more advanced understanding of patients' genetic make-up, their illness and their treatment needs. It should help those who are sick get access to the right drugs and more personalized care more quickly.
The database would also help scientists develop new drugs and other treatments.
"If we get this right," Cameron said, "we could transform how we diagnose and treat our most complex diseases not only here but across the world, while enabling our best scientists to discover the next wonder drug or breakthrough technology."
However, some critics are concerned about how the data will be used and shared with third parties, including commercial organizations such as drug companies.
Genewatch, a campaign group fighting for genetic science and technologies to be used in the public interest, said anyone with access to the database could use the codes to identify and track every individual on it and their relatives.
(Reuters)
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