The project, launched in April, seeks to collect and integrate genetic information, clinical data, and lifestyle habits from one million South Koreans by 2032. (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – In a bold move towards personalized healthcare, the South Korean government has embarked on a large-scale initiative to build a national biodata bank, aiming to usher in an era of precision medicine.
The project, launched in April, seeks to collect and integrate genetic information, clinical data, and lifestyle habits from one million South Koreans by 2032. This comprehensive database is expected to revolutionize disease prevention, drug development, and personalized medical treatments.
“This is not a distant future scenario,” said Baek Rong-min, head of the newly established National Integrated Bio Big Data Construction Project. “We’re laying the groundwork for a healthcare system that can predict and prevent diseases with unprecedented accuracy.”
The initiative, which involves multiple government agencies including the Ministry of Health and Welfare, aims to gather data from 772,000 individuals in its first phase, running until 2028.
The government plans to invest 603.9 billion won in this phase, with an additional 2.6 billion won coming from private sector contributions.
Participants will provide blood, tissue, and urine samples, along with clinical information and personal health data from sources such as smartwatches and mobile phones. The project will also analyze the whole genome sequences of 340,000 individuals.
“By combining genetic data with clinical records and lifestyle information, we can create a powerful tool for predicting disease risks and tailoring treatments,” explained a spokesperson from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, which is overseeing the project.
The potential impact of this initiative is already evident. In a scenario that may soon become commonplace, a 50-year-old man recently visited a health screening center and received a stark warning based on his genetic analysis and lifestyle factors: without immediate changes, he had a 67% chance of developing diabetes within three years.
The doctor prescribed a regimen of diet and exercise that could reduce this risk to below 8%.
The biodata bank is expected to benefit various sectors. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies will have access to anonymized data to accelerate drug discovery and develop new medical devices.
The government also anticipates that this resource will enhance South Korea’s competitiveness in the global biotech industry.
Moreover, the database could prove invaluable in responding to future pandemics, allowing for rapid analysis and response strategies.
However, the project also raises questions about data privacy and security. The government assures that strict protocols will be in place to protect participants’ information, with data being anonymized before it’s made available for research.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
