Covid-19 provided an opportunity for the UK to showcase its leading approach to research and innovation in DNA-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and genomics. Genomics is the study of an organism’s DNA sequences and has the power to transform a myriad of better patient outcomes. The more data we have, the more impact we can make.
The breadth of UK expertise was exemplified through the nation’s work to combat the pandemic – from the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to the scale and speed of the vaccination programme, and the world-leading RECOVERY trial identifying safe and effective therapeutics. Additionally, the New Variant Assessment Platform (NVAP) has worked to deploy the UK’s unique genomic sequencing capabilities across the Commonwealth and strengthen its overall health security.
In the UK’s Government Office for Science report on the future of genomics, the UK is praised for its wide contributions to global genomic knowledge. As our understanding of genomics increases, so too do our capabilities of what we can do with it. “Early information around genomics helps to identify health challenges early,” says Dr Mike Short CBE, Chief Scientific Advisor for the UK Department for International Trade (DIT). “It can lead to predictive or personalised health diagnostics and treatment.”
With a clear ambition to cement the UK’s position as a science powerhouse, the government has pledged to reach 2.4% in research and development intensity by 2027 – which will empower “Genome UK”; a world-first strategy to scale and better the entire healthcare system.
At the same time, the UK Life Sciences industry is sharing its genomic expertise and innovations globally, as highlighted in a UK government and industry report, “UK Genomics Spotlight: Leading Innovations 2022”.
Congenica: Predictive and preventative healthcare
One such UK business is Congenica, a digital health company enabling precision medicine through a world-leading diagnostic support platform for genomic data.
Congenica is committed to improving the lives of people living with rare and inherited diseases, which starts by giving healthcare professionals the tools, resources, and support they need to work more effectively. Underpinned by proprietary technology, its platform can analyse the entire human genome to diagnose the problem, interpret a wealth of data, and improve overall health outcomes.
In August 2022, Congenica announced a partnership with Avesthagen’s Avgen Diagnostics, a company that offers whole genome and exome-based diagnostics for predictive and preventive healthcare throughout India. The partnership has the potential to change lives in India by accelerating preventive and early diagnosis to deliver personalised medicine to patients.
“The UK is at the cutting edge of genomics in the world and the talent and skills are among the best in the world,” says Becky Lamont, a Communications Manager at Congenica. “Initiatives backed by Genomics England, the UK Government, and the NHS are making the UK the global leader in precision medicine.”
Eagle Genomics: Powering genomics with technology
Focusing on the intersection of biology and data science is Eagle Genomics, a UK company whose AI-augmented platform enables businesses to better understand complex biological systems, such as the microbiome. It supports science-led innovation that helps scientists realise complexities in a way that would otherwise not be detectable.
The company is building a network of knowledge partners with world-leading vital microbiome research institutions and global partners, including those from the Commonwealth. In Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state in India and a centre for the biotechnology industry, Eagle Genomics has a growing hub of over 60 employees.
The UK offers one of the strongest and most productive health and life sciences sectors in the world.
CEO at Eagle Genomics
“The UK offers one of the strongest and most productive health and life sciences sectors in the world,” Anthony Finbow, CEO at Eagle Genomics. “It has high concentration, world-leading talent, reference laboratories, and ample opportunities for value creation through partnering, deal-making, or investment.”
“It boasts one of the highest government payments in health research and development of £2.7bn in 2020, behind only the US and Japan. Additionally, the UK bioeconomy was worth £220 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2016 with the aspiration of doubling this to £440 billion over the next decade,” he adds.
Yourgene Health: Revolutionising diagnostic science
International collaboration has been fundamental in bringing global coverage for our network of laboratory customers.
Director of Marketing at Yourgene Health
Yourgene Health, an international molecular diagnostics group, is developing integrated genomic technologies and services for reproductive health, precision medicine, and infectious diseases. It has laboratory customers across 65 countries, including many in the Commonwealth, such as Singapore, Australia, India, Canada, and the UK.
The organisation is revolutionising diagnostic science with the support of its technology team in Vancouver, Canada. Together, they are approaching the cutting edge of developing the next generation of size selection technologies for DNA target enrichment, supporting vaccine development, gene synthesis, non-invasive prenatal screening, and oncology.
When asked about the benefits of this international collaboration, Joanne Cross, Director of Marketing at Yourgene Health, said it has been fundamental in “bringing global coverage for our network of laboratory customers. We have a greater understanding of different clinical pathways in different territories and a growing number of regulatory frameworks.”
Commonwealth collaboration
Collaboration is the groundwork of progress. As expressed by Cross, “We have closely aligned visions about our products and technologies, and work together to develop innovative roadmaps that will enable scientific advances to improve human health.”
This sentiment is echoed by Dr Short. When it comes to the key components of successful partnerships in genomics, therapeutics, and DNA-based testing across the Commonwealth, he believes it’s about the “exchange of information, trust, ideas, talent, and leadership.”
To him, “Partnerships are best delivered where there is a common understanding and a clear shared responsibility.” And with its fertile environment for growth, the UK is a model example of how to strengthen these connections.
Partnerships are best delivered where there is a common understanding and a clear shared responsibility.
DIT Chief Scientific Advisor
Find out how the UK Department for International Trade can support your business