A new, world-class genomics laboratory is set to further the UK’s global genomics leadership and accelerate the discovery of new medicines and diagnostics. The functional genomics laboratory has been established through a partnership between the Medical Research Council (MRC), AstraZeneca and Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI) - University of Cambridge.
The state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to become operational in early 2024, will be located within the MTI on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. It will provide researchers from across the UK with access to large-scale biological and technological tools and house an advanced automated arrayed-CRISPR screening platform.
It is hoped that, through the use of tools, such as CRISPR gene editing, scientists will discover new insights into the relationship between genes, genetic variation and disease. This may provide new opportunities to develop new therapies and diagnostics for chronic diseases including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic disease.
Science Minister, Andrew Griffith said: “We want the UK to be at the forefront of accelerating the delivery of new life-changing medicines and diagnostics. Thanks to this new partnership, the world-class laboratory will ensure that researchers have the right tools to unlock new insights into our genetics and develop new therapies and diagnostics. This is another example of the UK government’s commitment to supporting the £94bn life sciences sector with new research and development opportunities.”
The laboratory will become part of the UK’s Human Functional Genomics Initiative. This is a key commitment in the Life Sciences Vision to support world class research and innovation in functional genomics. It will also contribute to the UK’s ambition of having the most advanced genomic healthcare system in the world.
Dr Jonathan Pearce, Director of Strategy and Planning, MRC, said: “We are working across UK Research and Innovation to improve health, ageing and wellbeing. Our investment in this new laboratory builds on the UK’s global leadership in genomics. Our support will enable the laboratory’s launch and provide access for researchers from across the UK. Through this investment, and the wider Human Functional Genomics Initiative, we will enhance the national ecosystem needed to improve our understanding of how genetic variance impacts health and disease."