Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) is a non-profit Genomics Research Company that secures $49 million in funding for five projects in British Columbia, leveraging genomics to promote personalized healthcare.
According to Genome BC, The project is part of research funding published by Genome Canada in March under the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI).
The initiative utilizes genomic sequencing data for more personalized, preventive and cost-effective health care.
BC researchers, along with local scientists, lead the tEveryone in the project.
In a statement, Genome BC said an additional $35 million has been secured from Genome Canada and other joint asset partners, increasing the impact of Genome BC’s investments and providing additional funding for every dollar.
moreover, Genome BC has worked closely with researchers to develop a funding application for projects aimed at improving hereditary cancer care, improving children’s drug safety and early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, particularly in Indigenous and underserved communities.
The five projects are:
- Enhancement Genome sequencing-mediated population hereditary cancer treatment examining underidentification of patients at risk for hereditary cancer.
- Expanding pediatric drug safety research.
- MOSAIC: Genomics and AI for Heart Health, an initiative that leverages genomics, AI, and imaging to change and accelerate cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment.
- PAN-GEM: Genomics and Mental Health research focuses on identifying genetic and environmental risk factors in children and young people with mental health disorders. and
- Prairiegen aims to enhance genomic studies of the prairie by identifying key biomarkers, genetic variations and risk factors exclusively for populations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
“This important investment in genomics-driven healthcare innovation is based on Federica Di Palma, Chief Science Officer and Vice President of BC and Vice President of Research and Innovation at Genome BC, “put British Columbia at the forefront of precision health.”
“These projects aim directly to not only promote cutting-edge science, but also provide solutions to the looming healthcare challenges that benefit and contribute to BC and Canada’s more resilient, innovative and innovative health systems.”
Bigger trends
February, Genome BC funded a series of research projects aimed at addressing risks associated with strains of avian influenza of the H5N1 subtype.
The BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) has collaborated with researchers from the state health officer, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, and the University of British Columbia to carry out the project.
The BCCDC and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food are investigating how airflow contributes to the spread of viruses, developing antibody tests to detect exposure levels in human populations, implementing wastewater surveillance as an early warning system, and increasing genomic analysis methods to understand how viruses change.
Other companies involved in genome sequencing include Sano Genetics provides free home genome sequencing and data, reporting that customers can choose to include in their health research.
2024, SANO supported Neuron23 in a Neulark Phase 2 clinical trial investigating Neu-411, a brain-permeable LRRK2 inhibitor that may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Sano Genetics offers saliva testing kits to identify individuals with LRRK2-driven Parkinson’s disease, providing genetic counseling to streamline patient journeys and facilitating trial referrals.
Last year, Sano raised $11.4 million in funding two years after securing $11 million in the Series A funding round.
In 2021, the company scored $3.2 million (£2.5 million) in the seed funding round led by Episode 1 venture. Seedcamp, Cambridge Enterprise, January ventures, and a handful of unknown angel investors also participated.
