The NextGen project, funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program, has commenced in Utrecht, the Netherlands, with the aim of developing personalized therapies for patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death globally, and in the EU alone, they account for approximately one in three deaths. Apart from the human toll, CVDs also have a significant economic impact, costing the EU €282 billion annually.
The NextGen project seeks to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing accessibility of genetic information to personalize treatments for individuals with CVD. The project brings together a consortium of clinical research organizations, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises, and professional associations. The challenge lies in integrating diverse sources of data on individuals while ensuring privacy and adherence to data governance requirements.
The first step of the project will be to map existing initiatives and identify gaps in order to address unmet needs. The consortium will then develop tools to securely merge different types of data, enabling research while protecting individual privacy. Real-world pilot studies will demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods in overcoming barriers to data integration in the context of CVD.
NextGen complements other major initiatives, such as the 1+ Million Genomes initiative, which aims to facilitate secure access to genomics and clinical data across Europe, and the European Health Data Space, a framework for the safe and secure exchange and reuse of health data.
Professor Panos Deloukas, a member of the consortium, highlighted the potential of NextGen to unite CVD patient data across Europe and drive precision medicine in cardiovascular healthcare. Project coordinator Professor Pim van der Harst emphasized the importance of personalized medicine in preventing heart disease, expediting diagnosis, and improving the monitoring and treatment of individuals with CVD.
By compiling comprehensive information about individuals, NextGen aims to develop tailored therapies that optimize cardiovascular health and well-being. The project holds significant promise not only in reducing the burden of CVD but also in advancing the field of precision medicine.
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