Genome BC has helped secure more than $49 million to support five cutting-edge genomics projects aimed at advancing personalized healthcare in British Columbia.
The funding is part of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI), a national effort led by Genome Canada to harness genomic data for more personalized, preventative, and cost-effective healthcare. Genome BC contributed $14 million, leveraging an additional $35 million from Genome Canada and other partners — a 2.5x return on investment.
Three of the funded projects are led by BC researchers, while local scientists are also involved in two national initiatives led by partners in other provinces. The research will focus on improving hereditary cancer care, enhancing pediatric drug safety, and developing early cardiovascular disease diagnostics — particularly for Indigenous and underserved communities.
“This important investment in genomics-driven healthcare innovation positions British Columbia at the forefront of precision health,” said Federica Di Palma, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Research and Innovation at Genome BC. “These projects not only advance cutting-edge science but also directly aim to provide solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.”
The BC-related projects include:
- Enhanced Population Hereditary Cancer Care Through Genome Sequencing: Led by BC Cancer, this project aims to improve identification of patients at risk of hereditary cancers and support family testing through expanded access to genetic assessments.
- Expanding Pediatric Drug Safety Research: This initiative will identify predictive biomarkers linked to seven severe adverse drug reactions in children, using data from the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety.
- MOSAIC: Genomics & AI for Heart Health: Led by the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and UBC, MOSAIC will combine genomics, AI, and imaging to enhance cardiac risk prediction, with a focus on Indigenous and rural communities in BC and Yukon.
- Pan-GEM: Genomics & Mental Health Research: A national effort to identify genetic and environmental risk factors for mental health disorders in youth, using diverse genomic and health data to support early interventions.
- PrairieGen: Although led from the Prairies, BC researchers are contributing to this project focused on identifying genetic and environmental risk factors specific to populations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Genome BC emphasized the critical role of Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, which provides the infrastructure and expertise to analyze large-scale genomic data.
“As one of the few research facilities nationally with the capacity to generate, integrate, and interpret large scale genomic data, the Centre provides the critical infrastructure and expertise needed to translate genomic science into patient care,” said Di Palma.
With this investment, Genome BC continues its push to ensure the benefits of genomics reach all Canadians — advancing equity, innovation, and improved health outcomes across the country.
Leave a Reply