MHRA and Genomics England to Launch Biobank

Biobank will help to better understand how a patient’s genetic makeup can impact the safety of their medicines.

The biobank pilot will officially begin on 1 June 2023 with participant recruitment commencing later this year, on 1 September. The sequencing of participants’ genetic material will begin in Spring 2024, with initial research findings from the pilot due to be published in 2025. Genomics England will be supporting the MHRA with sequencing and storage of genetic material through use of their well-established and secure infrastructure.

The pilot phase will start with a medicine called allopurinol and related rare, severe skin reactions; including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Other topics of focus for the pilot phase will be confirmed in due course.

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