Thailand launches newborn genome sequencing project
Thailand’s Center of Excellence in Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University has launched a pioneering newborn screening programme using long-read whole genome sequencing. This effort aims to screen infants for 113 genetic disorders at birth, enabling early intervention or treatment when necessary. The initiative taps into advanced genomic technologies that decode an individual’s DNA in full, helping medical practitioners identify predispositions to disease, potential drug responses, and onset timing of conditions. Ethically approved and currently recruiting around 300 pregnant women for its first year, the pilot could reshape how Thailand approaches healthcare from the earliest stages of life, enhancing precision medicine and lifelong health outcomes.
The Key points
- Uses long-read whole genome sequencing — one of the most advanced DNA analysis methods.
- Screen targets 113 genetic diseases in newborns for early detection and management.
- Project launched by Chulalongkorn University’s medical genetics centre in Thailand.
- Ethically approved by the university’s Human Research Ethics Committee.
- First phase expects approximately 300 pregnant women to participate in its initial year.
- Aims to shift healthcare toward prevention rather than only reactive treatment.
- Enhances ability to tailor treatments and monitor children at genetic risk.
- Positions Thailand among the first countries to apply this technology in newborn screening.
- Leverages genomics to assess disease risk, drug response, and timing of illness onset.
- Opens a new frontier in precision medicine and long-term health planning for infants.
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