Accelerating Technology Transfer in Genetic Testing

A five-year project funded by the European Union (EU) aims to accelerate the transfer of new technology from research into routine use in genetic diagnostics. All the latest technologic developments in genetic testing will be inventoried and their technical evaluation coordinated by a network of accredited diagnostic centers throughout Europe.

EuroGentest Unit 5 has initiated a platform that is specifically involved with the implementation of new technologies into clinical practice. EuroGentest aims to establish a network of excellence (NoE) in genetic testing throughout Europe. It is headed by Professor Jean-Jacques Cassiman of the Center of Human Genetics (Leuven, Belgium). Prof. Cassiman believes that the timing of the project is important: "Genetic testing is growing at between 200–300% per annum with tests for over 100 conditions currently being offered. In addition we are rapidly moving into an era of pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine.”

Drs. Bert Bakker and Nienke van der Stoep of the Center for Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (Leiden, The Netherlands), hope that a transparent system will increase public acceptance of new genetic tests. They are making a web-based call for "Innovative Techniques in Genome Diagnostics” at the Unit 5 homepage, and are hosting a satellite meeting at the European Society for Human Genetics (ESHG) conference in May 2006 in Amsterdam (Netherlands), where companies and research groups are invited to present new techniques in genetic testing.




Related Links:
EuroGentest Unit 5