Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine welcomes international pharmacogenomics experts from St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine (MCGM) recently welcomed a delegation of leading experts from Centre of Excellence in Pharmacogenomics at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, as part of an NHS England (NHSE) Network of Excellence collaboration.

The NHSE Genomic Networks of Excellence are designed as partnerships between the NHS, academia, the third sector and industry to leverage expertise and resources from the broader genomics ecosystem, and to ensure there is a route to rapid commissioning decisions.

The visit brought together clinicians, researchers and pharmacy specialists to share expertise and explore opportunities for collaboration in pharmacogenomics. This area of genomic medicine studies how a person’s genetic makeup influences their response to medicines, helping to improve the safety and effectiveness of treatments.

The St Jude delegation included Dr Jun Yang, Division Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Pharmacogenomics; Dr David Rogers, Chair of the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Dr Kelly Caudle, Associate Member and Director of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC); and Dr Cyrine Haidar, Associate Member and Clinical Pharmacogenomics Residency Coordinator.

Throughout the visit, colleagues discussed advances in pharmacogenomics research, approaches to clinical implementation, workforce development and the practical challenges of embedding genomic-guided prescribing into routine healthcare. The programme also provided an opportunity to showcase work taking place across Manchester, including the world-first bedside, genetic test to establish if a newborn baby is vulnerable to deafness if treated with a commonly used antibiotic.

To date more than 12,000 babies have been tested across the UK and approximately 40 babies protected from antibiotic-induced hearing loss through the Manchester-led PALOH and PALOH-UK studies. The test is now standard of care at MFT.

Professor Bill Newman, MCGM, and Consultant in Genomic Medicine at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), said: “We were delighted to meet with world-leading experts to showcase our programme of work, learn from their experience, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.”

The visit reflects MCGM’s commitment to improving patient care through innovation and collaboration. By working with global leaders in pharmacogenomics, the Centre aims to support the development of evidence-based approaches that enable more personalised treatments, improve patient outcomes and help realise the full potential of genomic medicine within the NHS.

Dr Jun J. Yang, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to visit one of the premier pharmacogenomics programs in the UK. We left Manchester feeling energised and look forward to partnering on research, training, and clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics.”