Collaboration for precision medicine
Scientists aim to discover integrated diagnostic solutions to solve specific clinical problems.
Quest Diagnostics (NJ, USA) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF; CA, USA) have recently announced a collaboration aiming to accelerate research of advanced diagnostics to solve specific clinical problems, providing actionable information to facilitate patient care. Utilizing the research discoveries of UCSF alongside Quest Diagnostics’ national testing database and clinical development capabilities, the collaboration hopes to enable integrated diagnostic solutions focusing on diagnostics to advance precision medicine.
Precision medicine is an emerging field that aims to integrate data from molecular, clinical, population and other research areas to create predictive, preventive and precise medical solutions. Jay Wohlgemuth, Senior Vice President, Science and Innovation, Quest Diagnostics commented, “Advances in technology and science have identified many promising opportunities to improve outcomes through insights revealed by novel diagnostic solutions, yet fulfilling the full potential of these opportunities often hinges on translational clinical studies that validate their value. This unique collaboration between UCSF and Quest brings together the finest researchers and clinicians in the country to accelerate the development of a ‘product pipeline’ of scientific discoveries as clinically valuable diagnostic solutions that enable precision medicine for improved outcomes.”
Two specific projects have already been launched. The first uses Quest’s national database of molecule testing data to identify genetic mutations associated with autism. The second aims to identify biomarkers to help determine children with glioma brain tumors, integrating molecular biomarker testing with MRI technologies.
“There are many diagnostics projects underway at UCSF for which Quest could partner and contribute a great deal of value in turning an isolated research project into a diagnostic service or other technology that directly benefits patients,” said June Lee, director of Early Translational Research at the UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute.
