Genetic analysis to support portfolio targets - UCB

Patients

December 2024

Summary

Genetic analysis to support portfolio targets

This study, conducted by UCB, highlights the use of the UK Biobank to investigate UK patients’ genetic susceptibility to specific health conditions. The UK Biobank is a large-scale health resource, which contains anonymous medical, health, and lifestyle records from over 500,000 volunteer participants in the UK. 

UCB

About this study

Medical researchers are using large health databases to understand how our genes might influence disease risk. By carefully examining medical records and genetic information from thousands of people, researchers can identify potential genetic risk factors that may contribute to specific health conditions.

All anonymous patient data was accessed and analysed through the UK Biobank and allowed UCB to identify relationships between specific health conditions of interest and potential drug targets, and to propose alternative targets for treating certain diseases.

Data sources used:

• UK Biobank: a large-scale health resource containing anonymous medical, health, and lifestyle records from over 500,000 volunteer participants in the UK.

• Hospital admission records: includes details on patient hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and accident and emergency attendances at NHS hospitals in England. This study used International Classification Codes (ICD) to classify the condition.

• UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform: a digital tool that allows researchers to access and analyse the UK Biobank dataset.

Benefits of the study

By analysing diverse data from more than 500,000 individuals in the UK, UCB can identify genetic risk factors and gain insights into hard-to-define diseases. This approach accelerates medical research and could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments.

This research may result in pharmaceutical companies, the NHS and regulatory bodies being able to provide more personalised healthcare, improving outcomes for many patients.

Further information

Read the clinical study

Glossary

Genetic risk factors (susceptibility): a specific characteristic within an individual’s inherited genes that can make them more likely to develop certain diseases.

International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes:  used to identify and classify diseases and medical conditions. They help healthcare providers record and track diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures.

Drug targets: specific molecules in the body, such as proteins, genes, or RNA, that medicines interact with to produce a beneficial response and manage a disease.  

Last modified: 15 February 2025

Last reviewed: 15 February 2025