Genomics England to launch DNA mapping to tackle disease

The UK government is launching an ambitious new DNA mapping initiative for NHS patients that will receive 100 million pounds in funding.

Run by Genomics England, an organisation entirely owned by the Department of Health, the project will see the genomes of up to 100,000 patients or infections in patients sequenced over the next five years.

Initial efforts will focus on cancer and rare and infectious diseases, paving the way for the development of personalised treatment approaches and new ways of diagnosing conditions earlier than ever.

Money will be spent on training for British genetic scientists and the wider healthcare community, as well as building the secure NHS data linkage required to translate this research into better care quality.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "The UK aims to become the first country to introduce this technology in its mainstream health system – leading the global race for better tests, better drugs and … more personalised care to save lives."

Genomics England was founded in April 2013 and is chaired by Sir John Chisholm, former chair of the Medical Research Council.