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Agreement to bring whole genome sequencing closer to the clinic

Research

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The University of Oxford has signed a collaboration agreement with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and leading genetic analysis company Genomics plc to carry out a research project focused on the translation of whole genome sequencing into clinical practice.

The project, which is supported by the Wellcome Trust and Department of Health through the Health Innovation Challenge Fund, aims to establish genome sequencing – reading the entire DNA of a person – as a clinical tool across a wide range of disorders, including rare diseases and cancers. This will directly benefit the NHS in establishing new tools to improve healthcare. The study will also serve as a pilot for other large scale programmes to integrate genomics and healthcare. As part of the agreement, Genomics’ software will be applied to analyse and interpret up to 500 genome sequences focusing on rare diseases and cancer.

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