The Promise of Genomics to Science and Society: Part 3 of 3

The Promise of Genomics to Science and Society: Part 3 of 3

In the final part of this series, we look at where genomics is headed — and what it promises for the future of medicine, public health, and society at large.

The Future of Genomic Medicine

We are living through a genomic revolution. The cost of sequencing a human genome has fallen from $3 billion in 2003 to under $200 today — a price reduction faster than Moore’s Law. This democratisation of genomic data is enabling a new era of precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to the individual’s unique genetic profile rather than designed for the average patient.

Key Frontiers

• Gene therapy — correcting disease-causing mutations at the source, with landmark treatments already approved for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and certain inherited blindness disorders

• CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing — a revolutionary tool that allows scientists to edit DNA with unprecedented precision, opening the door to potential cures for sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, and many other genetic conditions

• Polygenic risk scores — combining thousands of genetic variants to predict an individual’s risk for complex diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and schizophrenia — enabling earlier intervention and prevention

• Pharmacogenomics at scale — routine genetic testing before prescribing medications, reducing adverse drug reactions and improving treatment outcomes across all therapeutic areas

• Population genomics — large-scale genomic databases (like the UK Biobank and India’s own genomic initiatives) that will transform our understanding of disease in diverse populations, including Indians who have historically been underrepresented in genomic research

Genomics and India

India presents a unique opportunity and challenge for genomics. With 1.4 billion people, extraordinary genetic diversity, and a high burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, India stands to benefit enormously from genomic medicine — but only if we build the infrastructure, expertise, and public awareness to support it. MapmyGenome is proud to be at the forefront of this effort.