In conjunction with biotechnology company Genomics plc the NHS has begun work on a pilot genomic research study that seeks to predict the risk of heart disease in patients.
This study is a cutting-edge approach within the field of genomics and medicine, testing will involve more than 1,000 people in the North East of England who attend routine checkups with NHS general practitioners.
The Integrated Risk Tool (IRT), created by medical researchers at the University of Oxford and Genomics plc, is used to estimate patients' risk of developing cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years.
Through blood samples from patients, they will calculate the polygenic risk score, together with thousands of genomic variants that would indicate the individual risk of suffering from a disease of this type. This information is then added into the QRISK tool which requires basic data such as age, blood pressure and BMI.
Sir Peter Donnelly, founder and CEO of Genomics plc explained about the test: "This represents a real first in personalised medicine. By using genetics we can improve risk prediction for cardiovascular disease so that therapies like statins, as well as lifestyle changes, can be better targeted to the right individuals."
Finally, Donnelly, explained that this pilot study is evidence that the UK is at the forefront of medical research. He also highlighted the importance of genomics in improving medical care.
The company and the researchers expect the trials to run from late spring to late fall of this year.
