Japan launches genome medicine body to centralise whole-genome sequencing data

Japan has established a new organisation to coordinate the nationwide collection and use of whole-genome sequencing data, with the government targeting full operation before the end of the current fiscal year.

The Japan Genome Medical Promotion Organization, known by the acronym GeMJ, will build a centralised database drawing together whole-genome sequencing results and clinical information for patients with cancer and intractable diseases. The data will be made available to companies, research institutions, and academic bodies under a unified set of rules.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, the initiative is expected to support more effective personalised medicine for patients with rare cancers and intractable diseases, while reducing the administrative burden on companies engaged
in drug discovery research.

GeMJ is currently focused on building the necessary system infrastructure and developing data provision rules ahead of full launch.

The organisation will establish a patient and citizen panel to gather public input, as well as a consortium bringing together researchers and companies to ensure their views are reflected in how the body operates.