As the scientific and medical world race to learn, study and fast-track treatments for COVID-19, Genomics England has thrown its weight behind a new nationwide study alongside the GenOMICC consortium, Illumina and the NHS to genetically code coronavirus patients - with an expected participant number of over 30,000 patients in 170 intensive care units across the UK. The aim of the study is to understand how a person's genetic make-up affects their susceptibility to coronavirus.
In addition to the power trio behind the study, the research drive will also be facilitated by the University of Edinburgh and multiple NHS hospitals. The hope is that this additional evidence will help in the battle to fast-track new therapies into clinical trials to get the most at-risk people the much needed help they need in order to increase the survival rate for COVID-19.
This study once again shows how the UK is leading the world in the genetics space and the dedication of the UK's research scientists and the medical profession to use the latest technology to save lives across the globe.