Developing guidelines for 'omics'-based tests

The rapid decline in the cost of sequencing a human genome over the last 6 years or so has resulted in services or tests based around this technology becoming much more affordable - at a few thousand dollars - and available to people.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has taken up the task of contributing to guidelines in this fast-moving field with the release of the document, ‘Principles for the translation of ‘omics’-based tests from discovery to health care’.

The document, which is currently open for consultation, offers a new framework to guide the development and application of omics-based tests, focusing on genomic testing. The omics include transcriptomics, metabolomics, epigenomics and proteomics.

“Omics-based technologies have the capacity to deliver more effective and better targeted treatments and improve screening for genetic disorders,” NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson said in a statement. “[Genetic testing] is an area that is continuing to evolve and grow, with other omics-based testing also on the rise. It is timely for Australia to agree to adopt principles to protect interests of consumers and to ensure research integrity.”

The principles cover the passage of omics-based discoveries from the research setting to clinical trials through to clinical practice.

The document was developed by the NHMRC’s Human Genetics Advisory Committee in consultation with stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, bioinformaticians, ethicists and consumers.

Public consultation on the document is now open and will close on 1 September.