Phgfoundation

Quantum computing: The future of healthcare in the UK?

Quantum computing, a type of quantum technology, is poised to address pressing challenges in the healthcare sector. For example, while the average cost of the drug development pipeline has tripled ...
Phgfoundation

How does the GDPR apply to genomic data?

The UK is a recognised powerhouse for genomic science and medicine. Genomics England’s 100,000 Genomes Project is the largest sequencing project of its kind in the world and, building on these ...
Phgfoundation

First do no harm: shaping health AI governance in a changing global landscape

It is no secret that the AI regulatory landscape has experienced monumental shifts in the last six months. Rhetoric that views regulation as a barrier to AI innovation and the cross-sectoral ...
Phgfoundation

Genomic surveillance in the roll out of vaccines

The rapid development, approval and roll out of multiple vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is an impressive achievement for science and healthcare. The virus genome was ...
Phgfoundation

Closing the genomic data diversity gap: lessons from South Asia

The GenomeIndia Project, launched in 2020, represents a strategic effort to map India’s vast genetic diversity. It focuses on India’s rich tapestry of ethnolinguistic communities (Indo-European, ...
Phgfoundation

Expanding the public and patient role in medical regulation

A recent consultation by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) indicates a welcome new direction for public and patient involvement (PPI). The MHRA proposed new five-year ...
Phgfoundation

Using whole genome sequencing to help combat COVID-19

The UK government has launched a new alliance to sequence the genomes of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. Backed by a £20 million investment, the COVID-19 Genomics ...
Phgfoundation

After ABC v St George’s: a new duty to consider

On Friday the High Court ruled on the case of ABC v St George’s NHS Trust (and other NHS defendants). This is a significant decision with implications for a wide range of healthcare professionals ...
Phgfoundation

The polygenic score paradox: navigating the hope, hype, and hurdles

The optimism is not unfounded. In specific, well-defined clinical scenarios, polygenic scores are beginning to demonstrate some tangible utility. For cardiovascular disease, MI-GENES, a 10-year follow ...
Phgfoundation

Metagenomic sequencing in public health – can long read sequencing be used to tackle antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest challenges facing health systems, causing an estimated 4.71 million deaths globally in 2021. It has been ten years since the World Health ...
Phgfoundation

Viral genetic surveillance, the canary in the coal mine for emerging diseases – a look at avian flu

With the current pandemic of bird flu – avian influenza – there is a growing concern around diseases spilling over from animals to humans. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the devastating impact such ...