The National Institute of Health Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) presented a detailed plan for building a national research cohort to expand the industry’s knowledge of precision medicine. The cohort will include over 1 million Americans that will aim to promote development and innovative initiatives. The NIH is hoping to have it up and running for participation beginning in 2016. Precision medicine focuses on “disease prevention and treatment to individuals based on genetics, environment and lifestyle,” as stated by Sylvia Burwell, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Precision Medicine Initiative®, proposed by President Obama, will allow a smoother transition with this new plan as it “aims to enable a new era of medicine through research, technology and policies that empower patients, researchers and providers to work together toward development of individualized care.” Dr. Collins developed a report of regulations based on high-priority opportunities, designated after extensive research.
As Americans are focusing on living healthier lives, with the addition of technological advances, Dr. Collins states that this is the prime time to present this project. The next steps include finding the right person to permanently fill the position as director of the NIH Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program, while Josephine P. Briggs temporarily stands in as interim director.
For more information, check out the NIH website here.