Mexico, .- Detecting diseases in early stages, stratify patients into groups, reduce adverse effects and discover new drugs are the main benefits of genomic medicine, said a specialist Wednesday.
“The study of the human gene is advancing at a very fast pace, today we have a lot of information and we begin to understand how to use it for the benefit of health,” said Dr. Xavier Soberón, general director of the National Institute of Genomic Medicine of the Ministry of Health.
During his participation in the Digital Health Forum Mexico, the specialist explained that research on the human genome has been fundamental to the development of precision medicine.
“Genome studies have an impact today throughout life, ranging from prenatal diagnosis to the treatment of genetic, degenerative and even infectious diseases,” he said.
He explained that in the human genome, 70 genes related to hereditary monogenic diseases were known and, currently, more than 6,000 are known; while for complex conditions there are more than 16,000.
“Identifying genes allows us to better understand diseases, which translates into a more timely diagnosis and optimal therapies because we can know how a patient can better respond to a treatment,” he explained.
He said that, for example, if genetic tests are done, it will be possible to know who does a drug well and who does not.
He explained that this may have benefits in therapies for rare diseases, to conditions such as autism, cancer and even psychiatric disorders.
He also explained that, for example, genetic sequencing allows to know if there are genes sensitive to any antibiotic and to make more precise diagnoses.
Soberón also pointed out that although it is still an expensive technology, in the short term it will be a more accessible technology.
In the same way, he assured that the information that is being obtained from the human genome has affected that today modifications and editions of DNA can be made in any organism.
This, he said, could in the future make xenotransplantation possible, that is, the transplantation of cells, tissues or organs from one species to another.
The Digital Health Forum 2019, which takes place between this Wednesday and Thursday, brings together health professionals to discuss issues related to the importance of technology and its implementation in health systems. (EFE)
