About Us | Press Releases | 2007 | April 18

KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN GENETIC FUNCTION WILL ENABLE FUTURE TREATMENT OF CANCER, DIABETES AND MORE

Eric Green, MD, Ph.D., scientific director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), delivered the capstone address at the BIO IT Coalition's 6th Annual Conference, "The State of Healthcare and Medical Technology in 2020," on April 17.  The conference was well-attended by leading experts in the fields of bioscience, information technology, business, academia and the law.

In his speech, "Beyond the Human Genome Sequence: Entering the Era of Genomic Medicine," Dr. Green discussed the progress and impact of the genomic revolution on the future of medicine and healthcare.  "Finding the genes that contribute to common medical conditions, including hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer, was incredibly difficult until now."  "Now that we have sequenced the human genome, the major contributing genes from these and other common diseases will be identified in the next five to ten years," he added.  While talking about the future of medicine, Dr. Green explained that the realization of genomic medicine requires elucidating human genetic function, empowering human genetic studies and developing new DNA sequencing technologies.  "The aim is to reduce the cost of sequencing an individual's genome from $1 billion to $1,000.  This lower cost genome will enable physicians to predict disease and act proactively for the benefit of patients."

Dr. Kathy Rowan, Professor of Communication at George Mason University, commended Dr. Green's presentation.  "It was a model of scientific information made understandable to laypeople," she said.

"Some people let advances in technology happen, some make them happen and some wonder what happened," said Steve Mandell, partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP and Chair of the BIO IT Coalition.  "Dr. Green personifies those who have and will make it happen."

The conference included a networking lunch and cocktail party to encourage discussion and collaboration among attendees.  Sponsors of the conference included American Medical Records Network, Inc., Arlington Economic Development, George Mason University College of Science and the Volgenau School of Technology and Engineering, Pepper Hamilton LLP and Russell Reynolds Associates.

The BIO IT Coalition bridges the life sciences and information technology industries to promote the growth of the Bio IT industry through interactive, content driven programs which highlight innovation, investment, education, collaboration and partnership.  This industry expansion will result in faster development and delivery of new therapies and diagnostics, better patient care, and other life science related technologies, goods and services.