How genomic sequencing scales up health innovation 

In 2003, the Human Genome Project (HGP) succeeded in sequencing and mapping the genome of homo sapiens. This tipping point in the Genomic revolution not only gave the birth to genomic sequencing as a new and fascinating research area, but also ushered in a new era of precision medicine and personalized treatments.

Since then, genomic sequencing has taken significant steps, enabling scientists to classify and characterize viral samples and thus significantly contributing to the development of vaccines in record time with the help of genome engineering tools, among other things. It is indeed undeniable how important genetic epidemiology research has been in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similarly, gene sequencing has many other important applications such as facilitating the screening for early detection and treatment of diseases. Together with other gene-editing technologies and high-precision DNA synthesis platforms, it helps to modify, delete or correct precise DNA regions and accelerate research and discovery. For example, together with other technologies like artificial intelligence, gene sequencing can have an enormous impact on clinical trials, helping to reduce failure rates and shorten the time to market for many essential drugs.

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Deciphering a gene’s superpower

The archetypical conflict between good and evil is not only played out in cinematic settings, but also in the depth of our DNA. For a long time, geneticists focused on deciphering the code of disease-provoking genes and their variants and/or mutations. However, with the discovery of genes having the opposite, healing effect, the way was paved for the development of medication and treatments that could imitate or simulate the impact of disease-protecting genes.   The discovery and “re-modeling” of these “superpower genes” was particularly accelerated by the possibility to timely sequence the genomes of millions of participants in globally conducted studies. This joining of research capabilities enabled scientists to significantly speed up the uncovering of several protective gene variants and to create disease inhibitors with a similar protective effect like their genetic role models while also preparing the ground for precision and personalized medicine.

Personalized Medicine: the blueprint for sustainable health

Our genes form the foundation and basis of human health. They are key in determining, for example, if one is at an increased risk of developing certain conditions or of suffering from inherited health problems.
The better we understand our unique genetic makeup the more additional valuable information we can gain. This knowledge can help to:

• develop and prescribe tailor-made medical care perfectly matching not only the genetic makeup but also the actual health status of an individual patient.
• significantly reduce potential side effects.
• benefit from better outcomes and a more effective treatment.
• predict more accurately the individual response of a given treatment.
• avoid taking additional tissue or blood samples
• develop tailor-made prevention strategies for specific diseases in accordance with the corresponding genetic disposition
• adapt the frequency of screenings to prevent or diagnose and treat diseases earlier. 
• change our lifestyle meticulously
• guide decision-making surrounding our health through all stages of life. 

Despite the controversy on the (future) role of secondary genomic findings, they are a crucial part of the progress that genomics is making in helping us care for our health. ! It is putting the power in our hands to more effectively guide our treatment options – be it in cancer care, heart disease, pregnancy etc., by finding the precise method of care needed as dictated by our genes. Less cookie-cutter treatments and more tailor-made solutions can make for a more robust and effective healthcare system where the consumer feels empowered, confident, and hopeful. Knowing that physician recommendations were guided by our unique genetic makeup resulting in a personalized health plan paves the way for more sustainable health and can only continue to grow by leaps as we further our research in this area of genomics.

Are the costs for genetic sequencing following Moore’s Law? 

Following recent estimates on the cost trend for genomic sequencing, the rate of cost decline seems to not only follow but also exceed Moore’s law as costs have approximately halved every two years. If this pattern is maintained, the cost per genome will soon fall below USD 1,000. 

Source: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Sequencing-Human-Genome-cost, 2021

This decline in costs is contrasted by the considerable growth of the global genomics market, with forecasts predicting the segment to reach a value of USD 54.4 billion, a double-digit CAGR-growth of 19.0% by 2025.⁴

e = estimated | P = projected. Source: MarketsandMarkets.com

The genomic sequencing market is ripe with opportunity for investors. With the rise of more viral diseases globally, the declining costs of genomics which would allow for more personalized treatments as well as significant investment from governments and companies, we will continue to see major growth. With genomic sequencing becoming less costly and more areas for application becoming more available, there will be greater and more sustainable opportunities for specialized companies.

Allianz Global Investors identifies genomic sequencing innovators

To further accelerate the genomic sequencing research and to widen its application areas, investments are needed. Redirecting capital flow towards key enablers helps to develop and refine personalized-medicine solutions that offer more individualized time- and cost-effective treatments options while at the same time reducing side-effects risks.

Allianz Global Investors continues to identify innovators specialized in the detection of disease-provoking genes as well as the improvement and the acceleration of conventional drug development processes. This offers investors not only opportunities to participate in growth prospects but also to contribute to the development of a more robust and effective healthcare system.

Find out more about sustainable investment at Allianz Global Investors here:

Tackling air pollution with sustainable investments

Anthropogenic air pollution constitutes one of the most serious threats to human health, affecting lifestyle habits as well as causing deep social concerns and economic disruption. The deterioration of air quality – both outdoor and indoor – not only costs innumerable lives, and significantly diminishes life expectancy but is also a major burden on the global economy, triggering billions of costs. Explore how sustainable investments can help to address the most pressing air-pollution-related challenges.

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¹  https://www.genome.gov/10001379/february-2001-working-draft-of-human-genome-director-collins
²  Haverfield E, Esplin ED, Aguilar S, et al. Multigene panel screening for hereditary disease risk in healthy individuals. Poster presented at: ACMG Annual Meeting; April 12, 2018; Charlotte, NC. 
³  https://www.genome.gov/news/news-release/from-one-genomic-diagnosis-researchers-discover-other-treatable-health-conditions
⁴  https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/genomics-market-613.html

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