UK to Map 100,000 Human Genomes by 2017

The UK is set to become the world leader in ground-breaking genetic research into cancer and rare diseases, which will transform how diseases are diagnosed and treated, thanks to a package of investment worth more than £300 million, the Prime Minister will announce today.

The 4-year project will allow scientists to do pioneering new research to decode 100,000 human genomes — a patient’s personal DNA code. The landmark project is on a scale not seen anywhere else in the world and is part of the Prime Minister’s commitment to ensure the NHS, as well as the UK’s research and life science sector, is at the forefront of global advances in modern medicine.

Sequencing the genome of a person with cancer or someone with a rare disease will help scientists and doctors understand how disease works. The project has the potential to transform the future of health care, with new and better tests, drugs and treatment. It is expected to provide a lifeline to thousands of families affected by rare genetic diseases and cancers.

The Prime Minister has pledged that the UK will map 100,000 human genomes by 2017.

Now, as world-leading research organisations join forces, the 100,000 Genomes Project has reached a major milestone in a package of new investment.

The Prime Minister is today unveiling a new partnership between Genomics England and the company Illumina that will deliver infrastructure and expertise to turn the plan into reality. As part of this, Illumina’s services for whole genome sequencing have been secured in a deal worth around £78 million.

In turn, Illumina will invest around £162 million into the work in England over 4 years, creating new knowledge and jobs in the field of genome sequencing. The investment will not only help the life science industry to thrive, but potentially create opportunities for talented UK scientists to lead the world. It will also pave the way for all NHS patients to eventually benefit from this exciting new technology.

This research puts the NHS at the forefront of scientific discovery. This is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for the NHS to be the first mainstream health service in the world to offer genomic medicine as part of routine care.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “This agreement will see the UK lead the world in genetic research within years. I am determined to do all I can to support the health and scientific sector to unlock the power of DNA, turning an important scientific breakthrough into something that will help deliver better tests, better drugs and above all better care for patients."