New UK genomic research project to unlock new disease insights

A major new gene research project has been announced by the government, with funding of more than 300 million pounds allocated to the studies.

The four-year project will help support UK-based scientists in decoding 100,000 human genomes by 2017, with a partnership between Genomics England and Illumina to provide the infrastructure for the research.

It aims to generate new insights into how cancer and rare diseases are diagnosed and treated, allowing new tests, drugs and therapies to be developed. The project will also generate new opportunities for UK-based scientists.

Around 40,000 NHS patients are expected to benefit directly from the research, allowing genomics-based medicine to become a mainstream treatment approach.

Prime minister David Cameron said: "I believe we will be able to transform how devastating diseases are diagnosed and treated in the NHS and across the world, while supporting our best scientists and life science businesses to discover the next wonder drug or breakthrough technology."

Genomics England was established as a subsidiary limited company by the Department of Health to ensure the 100,000 Genomes Project got underway as soon as possible.