From collaboration to personalized medicine
Recently published work by a global team of scientists led by researchers from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research led to the first genetic predictor for colorectal cancer. Dozens more genetic studies are set to report findings later this year. For example, Pfizer is partnering with NIH on a $26 million initiative called the Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN). GAIN aims to determine the genetic causes of common diseases over the next three years. The information derived from GAIN will be publicly available to researchers world-wide. Unlike many previous gene-disease studies that yielded spurious results, the new studies involve thousands of patients and are likely to hold up.
A common thread between the identified colorectal cancer predictors and GAIN is the need to analyze genetic data from thousands of patients, which is only possible through the collaborative efforts of many researchers internationally.
Eventually, understandings gleaned from our genes will lead to personalized medicine. Ironically, to develop these targeted drugs, we need the collective effort of individuals, research institutions and multiple jurisdictions. And we’re seeing the beginning of that collaboration now.
Veronika Litinski coordinates the MaRS venture services programs delivered to entrepreneurs, investors and high-growth companies. She also provides advisory services to entrepreneurs and high growth companies, with a special focus on life sciences markets, specializing in corporate finance and business development.