{"content_type":"Blog post","title":"Bridging genomics and drug discovery: what UK Biobank means for R\u0026D","sub_title":null,"cover_image":"https:\/\/juniverseadmin.jnjinnovation.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Blog-post\/Trevor%27s%20blog.png","slider_image":null,"another_slider_image":null,"brightcove_account":"3198958923001","brightcove_player":"9Z7fsGThCO","use_video_as_the_header":false,"new_blog_layout":false,"header_video":null,"tags":[],"focus_area":["Data Science"],"region":"EMEA","published_date":"2025-11-14","highlighted_text":[],"author_name":null,"author_nid":null,"meta_tags":null,"news_detail_url":null,"body":{"body":[{"paragraph_type":"text","text":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThe \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41586-025-09272-9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003Erecent publication\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003E in Nature, detailing the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of nearly half a million UK Biobank participants, marks a pivotal moment in our collective quest to understand human disease and develop life-changing medicines. For me, personally, contributing to this landmark study has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my scientific career; a real privilege to work alongside so many like-minded people across the industry, all driven by a shared purpose.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EWhile UK Biobank is based in the UK, the insights derived from this extraordinary dataset are global. The WGS dataset represents a profound shift in how we approach drug discovery, offering unprecedented understanding of human disease variance at scale. At Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson, we are solving the world\u2019s toughest health challenges by accelerating innovation through science and technology, and this dataset perfectly exemplifies the kind of data-driven innovation we champion.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe power of deep data: beyond the genome\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EWhat makes the UK Biobank WGS dataset so transformative isn\u0027t just its size, but its unique and unparalleled depth. Many large-scale population studies offer breadth, but UK Biobank goes far beyond, integrating a wealth of incredibly rich associated data. This includes the world\u2019s largest imaging dataset, activity monitor data, proteomics, metabolomics, cognition tests, diagnostics and prescription data from hospital records and information from cancer and death registries. This multi-dimensional approach moves us beyond a superficial understanding based on a single readout, but a truly holistic view of human health and disease.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThe real \u0022big bang\u0022 moment for us lies in the ability to connect baseline genetic data \u2013 the blueprint we are born with \u2013 to these diverse phenotypic layers. This comprehensive linkage offers deeper insight into human disease, allowing us to explore the intricate interplay between our genes and our health. Building on this, the integration of UK Biobank\u2019s multiomic data \u2013 spanning the genome, proteome, and phenome \u2013 is enabling us to create genetic\u2013protein maps and uncover protein\u2013disease links. These insights are helping identify potential biomarkers and disease subtypes, assess target risk, and ultimately translate preclinical findings into human relevance.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERevolutionising drug discovery: from risk to reality\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThe data can be used in a variety of ways but one approach we are exploring is to use the data to investigate possible toxicity profiles and fundamentally de-risk drug discovery. We can also use the data to align the right therapeutic targets with the patient populations from the very earliest stages of development.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThese profound insights, gleaned from such deep genetic and longitudinal medical record data, fundamentally change how we can identify and validate promising drug targets. By understanding genetic predispositions and disease mechanisms with greater clarity, we can make more informed decisions earlier in the Research \u0026amp; Development (R\u0026amp;D) pipeline, significantly reducing the costly and time-consuming failures that have historically plagued drug development.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThese insights are also accelerating the path to precision medicine. They enable us to stratify patient populations with particular genetic variants of disease, paving the way for more targeted, and effective therapies. Moreover, through whole genome sequencing we have the ability to analyse rare and non-coding variants \u2013 regions of the genome once considered \u0022dark\u0022 or less significant \u2013 leading to greater understanding of network biology and thus more focussed points of intervention. From here truly novel breakthroughs will emerge.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe power of collaboration: a shared vision for global health\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EAt Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson, we are actively leveraging large datasets through strategic collaborations that exemplify our commitment to data-driven innovation. For instance, our work with Nucleome Therapeutics allows us to integrate cutting-edge genomic insights with proprietary Nucleome technology develop biomarkers of immunological diseases and ultimately novel drug targets. This ensures our therapies are aligned with the most appropriate patient populations in clinical trials, particularly in critical areas like immunology and neuroscience.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThis achievement, the sequencing of half a million genomes, is a testament to the power of collaboration. This has been a collective effort involving the pharmaceutical industry as well as academic institutions and public funding bodies. All of us are working towards the common, overarching goal of human health. It is a point I feel needs greater emphasis: the public often does not realise that, unlike other industries where competition might preclude some data sharing, we in the pharmaceutical industry do share information and work together on foundational datasets for the greater good.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThese essential datasets are so vast and complex that they are simply not possible without collective effort. This fosters an environment of shared learning and accelerated progress that benefits everyone. The dedication required to build these resources can be immense, often involving significant logistical challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EThe sequencing itself started shortly before the COVID pandemic and as the UK sequencing resource at the Sanger was occupied with SARS-Cov-2 viral sequencing we switched to our Icelandic colleagues in order to continue the programme. There were logistical challenges of shipping samples during this time and acquiring some of the materials required for the sequencing. I vividly recall one particular \u0022lightning trip\u0022 to Iceland and back to assess sequencing services \u2013 we grabbed about four hours of sleep before being back on site. Such efforts, often behind the scenes, underscore the profound commitment of the scientific community to advancing human health. The dataset generated through this collaboration will be used for decades ahead, contributing to a long-term scientific legacy that will benefit generations to come.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking ahead: the future of genomics and beyond\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EOur dedication to pushing the boundaries of genomic research and data-driven innovation for global medicine development continues. The evolution of genomics has been truly astounding in my lifetime. The first human genome, a \u0022moonshot program\u0022 costing billions in 2000, now contrasts sharply with our ability to sequence 500,000 genomes. This incredible progress in both scale and affordability shows just how far we\u0027ve come and promises even greater accessibility and impact in the years to come. Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson is also founding members of \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ourfuturehealth.org.uk\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EOur Future Health\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003E which is aiming to have a foundational dataset 10 times the size of UK Biobank \u2013 5,000,000 individuals reflecting the diversity and socio-economic distribution of the UK population.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EYet, we must acknowledge that for the UK to become a global hub for developing the medicines of the future, those innovations need to be made available to patients. Patient access to innovative treatments in the UK remains a challenge.\u0026nbsp; This gap needs to be addressed through fostering a sustainable environment that truly recognises the value of medical innovation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003EAs the world\u2019s largest, most diversified healthcare company and with a substantial and long-term economic presence in the UK, we are deeply committed to working with the Government and our stakeholders to ensure the UK becomes a leading destination for Life Science.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003ETruly transformative breakthroughs are rarely achieved in isolation, and this is why collaboration is at the heart of Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u2019s efforts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003ETo find out more on how to collaborate with us, visit our \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jnj.com\/innovativemedicine\/data-science-digital-health\/r-d-data-science-collaborations\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003Ewebsite\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"full_html"}]}]},"related_news":[{"title":"Johnson \u0026 Johnson names awardees in the Data \u0026 AI Fueling R\u0026D of Tomorrow QuickFire Challenge: Singapore \u0026 Beyond","nid":"145140","cover_image":"https:\/\/juniverseadmin.jnjinnovation.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Blog-post\/Data%20Science%20Awardee%20Media%20Blog.jpg","slider_image":null,"another_slider_image":null,"brightcove_account":"3198958923001","header_video":null,"news_detail_url":null,"focus_area":["Data Science","Innovation","Innovation Challenges"],"region":"Asia Pacific","published_date":"2026-07-20","author_name":null,"author_nid":null,"news_type":"blog_post","brightcove_player":"9Z7fsGThCO"},{"title":"The value of coming together: biotech CEO reflections from the JLABS EMEA CEO Summit","nid":"145176","cover_image":"https:\/\/juniverseadmin.jnjinnovation.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Blog-post\/CEO%20Reflections%20-%20cover.png","slider_image":null,"another_slider_image":null,"brightcove_account":"3198958923001","header_video":null,"news_detail_url":null,"focus_area":["J\u0026J Leadership","Innovation"],"region":"EMEA","published_date":"2026-09-10","author_name":null,"author_nid":null,"news_type":"blog_post","brightcove_player":"9Z7fsGThCO"},{"title":"Beyond the cheque: rethinking the role of pharma in building breakthrough biotechs","nid":"145175","cover_image":"https:\/\/juniverseadmin.jnjinnovation.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Blog-post\/IMM%20VC%20Blog%20-%20final_2.png","slider_image":null,"another_slider_image":null,"brightcove_account":"3198958923001","header_video":null,"news_detail_url":null,"focus_area":["Immunology","J\u0026J Leadership","Innovation","Venture Investments","Other"],"region":"EMEA","published_date":"2026-09-09","author_name":null,"author_nid":null,"news_type":"blog_post","brightcove_player":"9Z7fsGThCO"},{"title":"Biotech CEOs are dancing with multiple dragons","nid":"145121","cover_image":"https:\/\/juniverseadmin.jnjinnovation.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Blog-post\/Elena%20CEO%20Summit%20-%20cover.png","slider_image":null,"another_slider_image":null,"brightcove_account":"3198958923001","header_video":null,"news_detail_url":null,"focus_area":["J\u0026J Leadership","Innovation"],"region":"EMEA","published_date":"2026-07-16","author_name":null,"author_nid":null,"news_type":"blog_post","brightcove_player":"9Z7fsGThCO"},{"title":"How PPPs can help startups create investable propositions","nid":"145094","cover_image":"https:\/\/juniverseadmin.jnjinnovation.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Blog-post\/Viggo%204%20-%20cover.png","slider_image":null,"another_slider_image":null,"brightcove_account":"3198958923001","header_video":null,"news_detail_url":null,"focus_area":["Innovation"],"region":"EMEA","published_date":"2026-06-17","author_name":null,"author_nid":null,"news_type":"blog_post","brightcove_player":"9Z7fsGThCO"}]}