Genomics England has passed the halfway point in its mission to sequence 100,000 genomes.
It said the milestone sets the UK on track to fully realise the potential of genomic medicine, deliver better care for patients and establish the UK as the global “go to” destination in the fast emerging genomics sector.
Genomics England is tasked with the delivery of the 100,000 Genomes Project, which is sequencing 100,000 genomes from 70,000 people, focused on patients with rare diseases, their families, and patients with cancer.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “This 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.”