BUCHAREST, Romania – December, 2024 – Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, one of Romania’s oldest and most prestigious medical schools, is proud to announce a pioneering collaboration with IQVIA™ (NYSE: IQV) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to bring whole genome sequencing (WGS) to patients in Romania. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the development of local capabilities in genomic medicine, with far-reaching implications for both Romania and the global community.
The project, initiated by Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy with support from IQVIA Romania, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and other key partners, aims to establish a proof-of-principle for WGS in Romania. This partnership with ONT, recognized for its cutting-edge, long-read, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, will enhance the country’s capabilities in genomic research and contribute to global advancements in the field.
Building and Strengthening Local Genomic Medicine Capabilities
Romania’s genomic research infrastructure is currently fragmented, with resources scattered across various regions. The absence of a cohesive national strategy has hindered the potential for genomic research.
This collaboration will strengthen relationships between key genomics stakeholders in Romania, enhance expertise in WGS data generation and analysis, and establish Romania as a key player in the global genomic research community, benefiting Romanian patients and advancing genomic research innovation.
Currently, the pilot project at Clinical Institute Fundeni has successfully sequenced the genomes of 75 healthy individuals and is now working on sequencing the whole genomes of 75 oncology patients. This effort is crucial in developing local expertise and infrastructure for WGS, ensuring that Romania can independently conduct advanced genomic research and clinical applications.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
Broadly, this collaboration will enable increased access to state-of-the-art sequencing technologies, driving advances in both research and diagnostic applications worldwide. It will expand the pool of available genomic data, facilitating new discoveries and informing clinical care decisions globally. The insights gained from this project will contribute to the understanding and treatment of various diseases, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes on a global scale.
About Our Partners
National Genomic Institute of Romania: A leading research institution dedicated to advancing genomic science and personalized medicine. It plays a crucial role in national and international genomic projects, including the European “1+Million Genomes” initiative, which aims to enhance research and healthcare through secure access to genomic and clinical data. The institute focuses on cutting-edge research in genomics, contributing significantly to the understanding and treatment of various diseases.
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy: Established in 1857, this prestigious medical school in Bucharest offers programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. It is known for its advanced research, including significant contributions to genomics and personalized medicine.
Clinical Institute Fundeni: Founded in 1959, this leading medical institution in Bucharest specializes in complex medical fields such as cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, digestive, and hematologic pathologies. The institute is renowned for its advanced treatments, including liver and kidney transplants, and it houses Romania’s first public stem cell bank. Additionally, the institute is involved in cutting-edge genomic research, particularly in the fields of transplant immunology and cancer genomics.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT): A leader in next-generation sequencing technology, ONT provides cutting-edge, long-read sequencing solutions that enable comprehensive genomic analysis. Their innovative platforms are used globally to advance research and clinical applications.
IQVIA: A global leader in advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services, IQVIA is dedicated to using data and science to help healthcare stakeholders find better solutions for their patients. IQVIA’s expertise in genomic and precision medicine is instrumental in advancing this project.
