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Last Posted: Sep 05, 2023
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From target discovery to clinical drug development with human genetics.
Katerina Trajanoska et al. Nature 2023 8 (7975) 737-745

From the abstract: "We identified 40 germline genetic observations that led directly to new targets and subsequently to novel approved therapies for 36 rare and 4 common conditions. The median time between genetic target discovery and drug approval was 25 years. Most of the genetically driven therapies for rare diseases compensate for disease-causing loss-of-function mutations. The therapies approved for common conditions are all inhibitors designed to pharmacologically mimic the natural, disease-protective effects of rare loss-of-function variants."

Your cells don’t have the genome you were born with. Project aims to chart impact of new mutations
M Leslie, Science, August 15, 2023

Every person is actually a mosaic of genomes, varying across the body and often within the same organ or tissue. These DNA changes introduce a diversity to the body’s somatic, or nonreproductive, cells that may be as important to health as the more pervasive alterations inherited from parents. Now, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a 5-year million project to map this universe of genomic diversity—and probe why it matters.

Persistent Underutilization of BRCA Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer in the United States: Implications for Health Disparities
L Shi et al, CDC Blog Post, July 25, 2023 Brand

Two recent studies document ongoing underutilization and disparities in genetic testing for patients with breast and ovarian cancer. The two studies demonstrate the importance of population-level data to track progress in implementation, outcomes, and disparities in genomic medicine. The studies also show how diverse data sources, such as state-based cancer registries, laboratory, EHR, administrative claims, and survey data, each with its own strengths and limitations, can be used to help build the evidence base on genetic testing utilization and disparities.

Rapid Genome Sequencing for Diagnosing Critically Ill Infants and Children: From Evidence to Equitable Implementation
CDC webinar, November 30, 2023

Dr. Stephen F. Kingsmore is president/CEO of Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM), where he leads a multidisciplinary team that is pioneering the use of rapid genome sequencing to diagnose critically ill children, implement precision medicine, and screen for approximately 500 genetic disorders. Dr. Kingsmore holds two Guinness World Records for achieving the fastest molecular diagnosis using whole genome sequencing.


Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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