The AHSN Network’s report on Genomic Innovation: technologies for personalised medicine was launched at a virtual roundtable on Thursday 23 July. The event saw senior leaders join the virtual launch of the report, including the West of England’s Chief Executive Officer, Natasha Swinscoe.
The virtual launch was hosted by The AHSN Network (which represents England’s 15 regional AHSNs) and chaired by Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of NHS Confederation.
The event began with a short film to present the report, with introductions from Sir Mark Caulfield, Chief Scientist from Genomics England as well as Hilary Newiss, Chair of National Voices and Matt Whitty, Interim Chief Executive of Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) and the report authors from PHG Foundation.
The AHSN Network commissioned the PHG Foundation to produce the report earlier this year. It presents an evidence review of genomics and genomics-related technologies that will have an impact on the delivery of personalised medicine within two to three years or potentially sooner given the current pace of change arising from responses to the pandemic.
Given the pace of developments in healthcare innovation and personalised medicine, together with the genomics focus of the AHSN’s personalised medicine work programme, technologies with an ‘omics component were selected for analysis. Each technology presents an opportunity for AHSNs to support innovation adoption and spread.
The full report and executive summary is available and focuses on five diagnostic and treatment areas:
- ctDNA testing
- Pharmacogenomics
- Transcriptomics
- Testing to support antimicrobial stewardship
- Genetically modified regenerative medicines.
The report considers the value and opportunities of each of the above (both now and in the future) from the perspectives of clinicians, patients and system leaders.
After attending the report’s launch, Natasha said:
“This area of science and medicine is a game changer but to create change it must be systematically embedded in front line practice and pathways of care. AHSNs are well positioned to support systems and connect industry, research and healthcare in the field of genomics. Alongside our regional Future of Care: Genomics event in December 2019, it was vital to share regional insights into the potential rapid adoption of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches.
“The pandemic has meant there’s been a rapid pace of change, as well as innovation opportunities. As we move past immediate response to COVID-19, and consider the findings from our regional event, AHSNs will continue to support health and social care harness benefits in the medium and longer term”.
At the virtual roundtable, the challenges and opportunities highlighted by the evidence in the report, and early considerations to the impact of this review on different stakeholders in a hugely complex system and how these innovative technologies can be implemented in these uncharted times began to emerge.
Highlights of the discussion, and next steps, will be published by the AHSN Network in the coming days. You can view a full list of participants and further background information on The AHSN Network’s website.
Posted on July 29, 2020
