Genome British Columbia (Genome BC), a non-profit organization dedicated to genomics research, has recently secured $49 million in funding for five groundbreaking projects in British Columbia. These projects will utilize genomics to advance personalized healthcare and are part of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI) funded by Genome Canada.
The initiative aims to leverage genome sequencing data to revolutionize healthcare by making it more personalized, preventive, and cost-effective. Genome BC has partnered with local researchers and scientists to lead three of the projects, focusing on improving hereditary cancer care, enhancing drug safety for children, and providing early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, particularly in indigenous and underserved communities.
Genome BC has contributed $14 million to these projects, with an additional $35 million secured from Genome Canada and other co-funding partners, amplifying the impact of their investment. This funding will support projects such as enhancing population hereditary cancer care through genome sequencing, expanding pediatric drug safety research, and utilizing genomics, AI, and imaging for cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, Genome BC is involved in research projects aimed at addressing the risk associated with avian influenza strain H5N1. Collaborating with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Genome BC is investigating the spread of the virus, developing antibody tests, implementing wastewater surveillance, and enhancing genomic analysis methods.
In the larger context of genomics research, companies like Sano Genetics are also making significant contributions. Sano Genetics offers free home genome sequencing and data reports for health research purposes. In collaboration with Neuron23, Sano Genetics is supporting the NEULARK Phase 2 clinical trial to explore a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Furthermore, Sano Genetics raised $11.4 million in funding last year, following a successful Series A funding round. In 2021, the company secured $3.2 million in seed funding led by Episode1 Ventures, with participation from Seedcamp, Cambridge Enterprise, January Ventures, and other angel investors.
The investment in genomics-driven healthcare innovation by Genome BC and other research entities is positioning British Columbia at the forefront of precision health. These projects not only advance cutting-edge science but also aim to address pressing healthcare challenges, benefiting patients and contributing to a more resilient, equitable, and innovation-driven health system for BC and Canada.
