A genetic test that more accurately predicts the risk of developing breast cancer could soon be used on high-risk groups. Researchers behind the test, available in England only at this time, say it could reduce the number of women choosing pre-emptive mastectomy surgery. The blood test looks at 18 genetic variations, or single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), known to affect the chances of getting breast cancer.
Personalized Medicine
GA4GH to collaborate with 15 international genomic medicine initiatives
October 23, 2017Advances in precision medicine depend on the ability to share genomic information voluntarily, securely and responsibly. To achieve this, The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) has struck formal collaborations with 15 international genomic data initiatives. Ontario and Canada lead or help drive at least three of these, CanDIG, ICGC-ARGO and Matchmaker Exchange. Genome Canada has also announced new operational funding for the GA4GH.
Gene silencing drug opens new era for rare genetic disease treatments
October 11, 2017Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. unveiled positive results from a late-stage clinical trial of the drug patisiran for the treatment of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. Patisiran works by interrupting the production of a specific disease-causing protein through a process called RNA interference (RNAi), which eliminates unwanted proteins. Because RNAi can be easily tuned (in theory) to any disease, this may herald a new class of medicines.
AI startup Deep Genomics raises US$13M
October 10, 2017The founding principle of Toronto-based Deep Genomics is “that the future of medicine will rely on artificial intelligence (AI), because biology is too complex for humans to understand.” After success at the startup assistance program run by University of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab, Deep Genomics has now closed a Series A financing deal that will allow it apply AI to search across 69 billion molecules to identify 1000 potential drugs.
Innovative study brings next-generation genomic sequencing to more Ontario cancer patients
September 25, 2017Understanding a cancer’s genetics is key to selecting targeted therapies that are likely to be of the most benefit to a patient. The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) announced the “OCTANE” study that will use next-generation genome sequencing to select the best treatment option for participants.
Genetic tests to guide brain cancer treatment
September 22, 2017Doctors at Sick Kids have developed tests to analyze the molecular makeup of individual brain tumours, leading to the possibility of personalized treatment. Hospitals from around the world are sending their patient’s tumour samples to Sick Kids for this molecular analysis.
Sun Life to look at effectiveness of pharmacogenetics on plan members
September 13, 2017Sun Life Financial will be offering plan members on short- and long-term disability leave for depression or anxiety the chance to take part in a study on the impact of pharmacogenetic testing. The insurer is participating in a study that examines the effectiveness of the technology in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and personalized medicine provider Assurex Health Inc.
Just approved: Pioneering cancer drug uses re-wired T-cells
September 8, 2017The Food and Drug Administration approved a futuristic new approach to treating cancer, clearing a Novartis therapy that has produced unprecedented results in patients with a rare and deadly cancer.
Too many drug trials, too few patients
August 23, 2017With the arrival of two revolutionary treatment strategies, immunotherapy and personalized medicine, cancer researchers have found new hope — and a problem that is perhaps unprecedented in medical research. There are too many experimental cancer drugs in too many clinical trials, and not enough patients to test them on.
North Bay pharmacy using DNA to tailor prescriptions
August 23, 2017First in North Bay, but eventually all of Canada, ProZed Pharmacy Solutions is introducing access to a DNA test that aims to provide physicians with more accurate information about what medication might work, and in what doses. Samples are collected at the pharmacy and tested by Minnesota-based OneOme to help guide prescribing for a variety of drugs including those for anxiety and heart attack recovery.