StemCell Therapy

China is banking on genetics as the next frontier of modern healthcare. From genetic testing and sequencing to gene therapy and precision medicine, this range of transformative technologies and services can underpin medical treatments and inform lifestyle choices.

Precision medicine -- using genetic information to determine treatments -- enables healthcare to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach where patients are treated with the same therapy, to one where targeted treatments are based on a patient's DNA and biomarkers.

The Chinese government and private sector are leading the charge globally, encouraging nationwide collection of DNA samples and investing in data analysis tools.

The Beijing Genome Institute, the world's largest sequencer and repository of genetic material, says it is capable of decoding the entire genomes of 100,000 people a year for no more than US$100 per person. In 2017, genetic testing was listed in China's 13th Five-Year Plan as one of the key growth strategies for the life sciences sector.

While some companies continue to work on breakthrough technology for whole-genome sequencing, others are focusing on the direct-to-consumer DNA test industry that only analyses small sections of a person's DNA. These consumer tests are marketed at younger people who are interested in their genealogy or are seeking health predictions and suggestions for lifestyle adjustments.

For as little as $3, you can provide a saliva sample to a company in exchange for information such as risks of developing chronic illnesses, how to lose weight and how to care for your skin. This market is expected to generate sales of $405 million in China by next year.

Last December, the consumer genetic testing company Genebox raised $14 million in financing. It has lowered the price a DNA test to 19.90 yuan ($3) since entering the market in 2018. More than 2.2 million people in China had used Genebox's service as of the end of 2019. This number is forecast to increase to 56.8 million by 2022, according to the consultancy Yi Ou.

As mass-market genetic testing becomes more commonplace, and the Chinese government ramps up efforts to develop its national DNA database, observers have raised the issue of privacy and personal data protection.

Companies such as Genebox have committed to not sharing personal information with third parties. However, exceptions exist, including having to comply with laws and regulations, as well as sharing user data with subsidiaries and related organisations for medical research and product development purposes.

Currently, China does not have specific legislation in place to protect personal data, including genetic data, at the national level. However, regulations are being developed. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China has outlined a legislative agenda for a data protection law that is set to be enacted next year.

Overcoming data privacy concerns will be key to unleashing the full benefits of genetic testing. Structural efforts should be made to overcome these issues, such as transparency over how such powerful personal data is used. Close collaboration is needed between genetic testing companies, doctors, patient rights advocates, regulatory agencies and insurers.

Although precision medicine is still in its infancy, it is attracting great interest, including from Thailand. I hope the new privacy laws due to be introduced this year are broad enough to cover these emerging technologies so that we are ready to protect people once they become mainstream.

Link:
Genetics the next frontier of healthcare - Bangkok Post - Bangkok Post

This entry was posted on February 14, 2021 at 7:30 pm and is filed under Genetics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |