Genome sequencing project reaches the halfway mark

The 100,000 Genomes Project was launched in 2012 and has now reached the halfway mark – sequencing 50,000 human genomes from 40,000 patients.

The Department of Health and Social Care-led programme, which aims to provide better insight into the cause of diseases and how diseases develop in each individual, has seen participants with rare diseases receive faster diagnoses, and cancer patients receive personalised treatment programmes only made possible by the project.

Of the 50,000 genomes mapped so far 8,000 are for cancer patients, while 42,000 are for rare disease patients and family members. Breast, brain, colorectal, lung, prostate and renal are among those cancers to have been successfully sequenced.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “This incredible achievement shows once again why the UK is a world leader in genomic medicine. We’re backing our world-leading scientists and clinicians in the NHS to push the boundaries of modern science and embrace new technology – using data to transform the lives of patients and families through quicker diagnoses and personalised treatments.

“It is testimony to the hard work of the clinicians and scientists across the NHS and volunteers for the project that we can continue to harness the very best of the NHS and remain at the forefront of this pioneering field.”