The FinnGen study plans to analyse up to 500 000 unique blood samples collected by a nation-wide network of Finnish biobanks. The goal is to deepen our understanding about the origins of diseases and their treatment. The project is expected to continue for six years, with a current budget of €59M.
Located at the outskirts of Northern Europe, Finland is one of today's global hotspots for medical research. Finland tops global listings in healthcare, education, innovation, digitalization and good governance. In addition, country's 5,5 million population share a unique genetic heritage, which provides researchers with enormous opportunities to innovate.
Due to the unique heritage of the Finnish population, genomic data can be analysed faster and more effectively than in populations of more heterogenous origins - significantly improving the chances of breakthrough findings. "This makes Finland a great testbed for genomic research", says Kimmo Pitkänen, Director of Helsinki Biobank.
The FinnGen study is an unprecedented global research project representing one of the largest studies of this type. Project aims to improve human health through genetic research, and ultimately identify new therapeutic targets and diagnostics for treating numerous diseases. The collaborative nature of the project is exceptional compare to many ongoing studies, and all the partners are working closely together to ensure appropriate transparency, data security and ownership.
The FinnGen study is coordinated by researchers from the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University Central Hospital. In addition to biobanks and research organizations, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation (Tekes) and seven international pharmaceutical companies are taking part in the study: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Celgene, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA and Pfizer.
Two-thirds of the project funding is expected to come from pharmaceutical companies and one-third from Tekes. "Tekes wanted to support the project, because of its potential to promote healthcare innovation and to support the growth and internationalization of local businesses," says Minna Hendolin, who is responsible for Health and Wellbeing at Tekes.
The goals of the FinnGen study are ambitious. "Breakthroughs that arise from the project will benefit drug discovery programs and health care systems globally. The combination of unique genetic heritage, decades of population-wide medical registry data and cutting-edge genomics position Finland as a global testbed for medical research and innovation", says Mark Daly, a key partner of the project from the Broad Institute and the Massachusetts General Hospital and visiting professor at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM).
Future health innovations can primarily be found by looking at large masses. The FinnGen study has the potential to benefit global healthcare systems long into the future. "With FinnGen we can build a foundation for health innovations and personalized treatments", says Research Director Aarno Palotie, from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) at the University of Helsinki
"We hope that this study will stimulate researchers and businesses from around the world to join the journey into personalised healthcare."
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Quotes from the partners: https://www.finngen.fi/en/quotes
LIST OF PARTNERS:
Coordinators:
University of Helsinki / HiLIFE, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, and Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH)
Funders:
Tekes, The Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation
Abbvie
AstraZeneca
Biogen
Celgene
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
Pfizer
Finnish Biobanks and their host organizations:
Auria Biobank: Hospital District of Southwest Finland, University of Turku, Satakunta Hospital District, Vaasa Hospital District
THL Biobank: The National Institute of Health and Welfare
Finnish Hematology Registry and Clinical Biobank (FHRB): Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Finnish Association of Hematology, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki
Helsinki Biobank: Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS), University of Helsinki, Kymenlaakso Social and Health Services (Carea), South Karelia Social and Health Care District (Eksote)
Northern Finland Biobank Borealis: Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District, University of Oulu, Nordlab, Central Ostrobothnia's Joint Municipal Authority for Specialised Medical Care and Basic Services, Kainuu Social and Health Care Joint Municipal Authority, Lappi Hospital District, Länsi-Pohja Hospital District
Finnish Clinical Biobank Tampere: Pirkanmaa Hospital District, University of Tampere, Kanta-Häme Hospital District, South Ostrobothnia Hospital District
Biobank of Eastern Finland: Northern Savo Hospital District, University of Eastern Finland, South Savo Social and Health Care Authority, Joint Municipal Authority for North Karelia Social and Health services (Siun sote), Eastern Savo Hospital District
Central Finland Biobank: Central Finland Health Care District, University of Jyväskylä
Blood Service Biobank: Finnish Red Cross Blood Service