Fireside Chat, Panel
Mic'd Up - Part 2:Genomics & the Future of Medicine
- Future viral threats are anticipated to follow an ongoing cycle, though technologies to direct T-cell attacks are currently available.
- The cost of whole-genome sequencing is projected to decline significantly, with a specific path toward "$100 and below," making individual genomes a foundational component of future healthcare.
- The UK has commissioned whole genomes within its health system this year for rare diseases, leukemias, pediatric oncology, and some sarcomas, with similar plans discussed for the GCC.
- Genetic insights are expected to transition from research to clinical practice, shifting healthcare friction from cost issues to realizing value within integrated systems.
- Significant precision medicine progress relies on integrating gene expression, epigenetics, microbiome data, telomere length, and biological aging, with epigenetics reaching clinical stages focusing on DNA methylations.
- A seven-floor, 185,000-square-foot cancer center is under construction at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to leverage genomics for understanding the UAE population and targeting genetic therapies for local cancers.
- Genetic data dissemination is expected to mirror the trajectory of personal wearable devices, becoming simple, cheap, and actionable for society.
- An evolving "time clock" view of genetic modification by lifestyle and viruses is anticipated to exist alongside static genetic profiles, alongside advanced analytics for physician decision support.
- Over the next decade, progress is expected in addressing access, care coordination, and patient experience, driven by pioneers like Cleveland Clinic and Vanderbilt moving forward with progressive adoption.
- Future ecosystems will likely include private companies optimizing health after national population genomics efforts, with crowdsourced genome annotation allowing global knowledge access.
- Data sharing and genomic understanding will increase over time, though most countries are expected to establish data rules requiring data hosting within their borders.
- Healthcare delivery is expected to become more decentralized and empowered as consumers become more educated, while Mubadala continues leveraging genetics integrated with AI platforms to deliver actionable steps via apps.