A thorough investigation of patient genetic data to improve treatments for specific conditions - UCB

What was the health issue?

Many causes of disease are associated with an individual’s genetic make-up and there is increasing interest in medical research to understand how our genes might influence our chances of getting a disease. Genomic data is not available for most individuals. However, the UK Biobank, which is a large health study of consented volunteers, has sequenced the genes of 500,000 people in their cohort. This data, combined with lifestyle and other health information on these individuals, are being used by researchers to better understand the origins of diseases.

What were the researchers trying to find out?

UCB researchers were trying to identify whether specific genes increased the chances of developing a disease or illness by comparing the genetic information with the health outcomes recorded in individuals’ anonymised health records.

Why did the research require the use of health data?

This analysis required using genetic data from a large number of individuals (500,000) linked with other health data, including hospital admissions records. Genomic data is essential to understanding disease and is only available through large studies like UK Biobank. It would not be possible to find an association between genes and diseases without carrying out these analyses at such a large scale and without the wealth of data that is contained within health records.

How was the research done?

UCB analysed anonymised data through the UK Biobank which had been linked to NHS hospital inpatient data. The UK Biobank contains medical, health, and lifestyle records from over 500,000 volunteers across the UK, including genomic data. Volunteers’ health data were analysed to identify genes which may be linked to specific conditions. This analysis used the UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform. 

What did the research find?

By analysing diverse data from more than 500,000 individuals living across the UK, UCB were able to identify genes that might influence a patient’s chance of getting a disease and better understand diseases which are not yet well understood.

Why do the results matter?

This research may result in pharmaceutical companies, the NHS and decision makers being able to develop new medicines which provide care to patients that is better suited to their disease or illness, improving outcomes for patients.

Further information

This case study was adapted from a submission by UCB: Genetic analysis to support portfolio targets.

Glossary

Anonymised data: data where personal information has been removed from data so that individuals cannot be identified. This process ensures privacy and confidentiality, making it safe to use the data for research or analysis without revealing who the data belongs to.

UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform: digital tool that enables researchers working with UK Biobank to access it in the cloud from anywhere in the world. UK Biobank data is only accessible through the platform.