Genomics England Launches Next-Generation Genomics Research Platform

Genomics England (GEL) has announced the launch of a next-generation genomics research platform, supported by Lifebit-a deep tech company-and Amazon Web Services (AWS), which will be primarily dedicated for COVID-19 research.

In a June 29, 2020 press release, GEL revealed that the new platform will use AWS’s scalable and secure cloud computing and storage infrastructure in the United Kingdom, along with the technology platform from Lifebit to enable access, analysis, and collaboration. Although the initial focus will be on COVID-19 research, the company has announced that the platform will ultimately be able to be used for research into cancer and other rare diseases.

Further to its partnership with Lifebit and AWS, GEL has also partnered with the GenOMICC consortium to work with the National Health Service (NHS) on the delivery of a whole genome sequencing of up to 20,000 COVID-19 intensive care patients and 15,000 people with mild symptoms. This data will be stored in the AWS UK region and will be under the control of GEL, with researchers able to query, analyze, and collaborate over the large sets of data through Lifebit’s platform.

“By improving understanding of why some patients have such severe responses to the virus while others have a mild response, GEL is helping to support vaccine and drug development,” said Chris Wigley, CEO at GEL, in the press release. “This will ultimately ensure that the treatment of the UK’s COVID patients is personalized, safer, and more effective.”

Source: GEL