The Living Laboratory

The University of Glasgow’s Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine and myDNA, a leader in precision health, have announced a new partnership to generate evidence supporting the adoption of pharmacogenomics (PGx) in healthcare. The collaboration will focus on exploring the potential of PGx to transform healthcare delivery, aiming to enhance patient outcomes through precision medicine.

PGx works by tailoring drug choice and dosage to an individual’s genetic profile, marking a significant shift away from the traditional "one-size-fits-all" model. As healthcare increasingly shifts towards more personalised solutions, PGx is gaining attention for its potential to address the complex and varied - and often detrimental - responses that patients can experience with certain medications.  

Through their partnership, the Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine, myDNA, Gene by Gene laboratory services and technology partner Agena Bioscience will focus on generating real-world data to assess the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of PGx. These insights will be instrumental in advocating for its broader adoption within the NHS and healthcare systems worldwide.

The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to generate evidence that will drive the integration of personalised medicine as a standard practice in healthcare. In doing so, it aims to help improve medication safety and efficacy for patients and contribute to significant cost savings for healthcare systems. 

Professor Sandosh Padmanabhan, Pontecorvo Chair of Pharmacogenomics at the University of Glasgow, said: “Our partnership with myDNA marks the crucial first step in integrating pharmacogenomics into everyday clinical practice across Scotland. By combining the University of Glasgow's research expertise, myDNA's specialised knowledge in pharmacogenomics, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's capabilities in clinical trials, we are laying the groundwork for the wider adoption of personalised medicine within the NHS, with the goal of significantly enhancing patient care. 

“Additionally, the evidence we generate will not only benefit the NHS but also have far-reaching impact beyond the UK, supporting the global adoption of pharmacogenomic strategies.” 

Allan Sheffield, myDNA Co-founder, said: “myDNA is excited to partner with the University of Glasgow's Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine to accelerate pharmacogenomics adoption. Our expertise in providing pharmacogenomic clinical decision support, coupled with the Living Lab’s research capabilities, positions us to generate compelling real-world evidence showcasing PGx's clinical and economic value.”

Dr Sam Mostafa, myDNA’s Clinical Director and Pharmacogenomic Specialist, said: “This collaboration with the University of Glasgow's Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine is a pivotal moment in unlocking the potential of pharmacogenomics. By generating strong data, we can demonstrate how personalised medication management can significantly enhance patient safety and efficacy.”

Learn more about the PHOENIX trial

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First published: 11 April 2025