More than 10 years ago, the Coriell Institute for Medical Research launched an ambitious project – an entirely one-of-its-kind investigation into the potential value of genomic information in the clinical setting.
That study, the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative (or CPMC), enrolled thousands of people who volunteered their DNA and lifestyle and medical histories for analysis, and in return, they received personalized reports of their genetic and non-genetic risk for a number of complex diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease as well as a number of reports involving drug response. We sought to answer the question: Does knowing one’s inherent risk for a disease have the potential to improve clinical care and motivate healthy behaviors? CPMC later incorporated pharmacogenomics, which focuses on how one’s genetic profile impacts drug response.
Since the study was first launched in 2008, the focus has been on recruiting patients and delivering personalized participant reports. In that time, we recruited more than 7,000 people, and delivered dozens of health reports to each participant. However, that phase of the CPMC has come to an end.
The CPMC team is endlessly appreciative to all who entrusted us with their genetic material, who took the time to answer the extensive CPMC questionnaires, and to those who have remained engaged with the project over the years. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
This is not the end of the CPMC. We have begun to analyze CPMC data, more than 20 CPMC articles have already been published in scientific journals, and this research will continue. CPMC research has highlighted the critical importance of genetic and genomic counseling in personalized medicine, has identified genetic risk for melanoma to be a motivator for cancer prevention and genetic risk of heart disease to be a catalyst for heart healthy behaviors.
This study was a pioneering effort. While personalized medicine was a new idea when the CPMC launched in 2008, it is a commonly discussed topic today, in part thanks to the groundbreaking efforts of the CPMC. We deeply appreciate all research participants and members of the Informed Cohort Oversight Board (ICOB) and Pharmacogenomics Advisory Group (PAG) for believing in our vision and sharing our passion for uncovering the various ways in which our DNA can inform our health.
