Denmark and Sweden share a common ambition to provide patients with the best possible care, and both countries have made significant public investments in creating national infrastructures that support precision medicine – an approach that enables the customization of diagnostics, treatment and prevention based on each patient's genetic profile.
In 2022, Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) and the Danish National Genome Center (DNGC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of promoting genomic research, strengthening the use of whole-genome sequencing in patient care and advancing the development of precision medicine in Sweden and Denmark. Now, it is time to renew the agreement and strengthen the collaboration.
The collaboration has been a success
The collaboration has contributed to significant progress in the implementation of precision medicine in the healthcare systems of both countries. In both Sweden and Denmark, research and treatment for patients with rare diseases have been strengthened. For example, GMS supports Swedish clinicians and researchers who have recently discovered an unexpected complexity in chromosomal abnormalities. Meanwhile, DNGC, together with the regions, has implemented whole-genome sequencing to benefit patient groups with rare diseases such as neurogenetic patients, patients with kidney failure and hereditary heart diseases.
Complex diagnoses can be solved with new technology
Whole-genome sequencing improves treatment for patients with rare diseases and cancer (Danish)
Patients with various forms of cancer in Sweden and Denmark have also benefited from the knowledge sharing between the two national genome initiatives.
"Knowledge sharing between Denmark and Sweden has been valuable in understanding how the development and integration of methods such as Next Generation Sequencing* and processes in, for example, clinical practice, as well as within precision medicine research, can be advanced. Experiences from genome initiatives like the Danish National Genome Center and from other countries further prepare us to address challenges such as data access, public-private collaboration, health economics and much more." – Richard Rosenquist Brandell, Director of Genomic Medicine Sweden.
Sweden and Denmark continue the cooperation
The new cooperation agreement is an extension of the partnership that the two national initiatives formalized in 2022. Both initiatives work to develop secure and advanced technological solutions that enable the efficient storage and analysis of genomic data. In this work, the countries greatly benefit from knowledge sharing and the exchange of experiences.
As part of the agreement, GMS and DNGC will collaborate on a number of key areas, including:
- Standardization, quality assurance and validation of genetic analyses.
- National bioinformatics platforms for secure storage and sharing of data.
- Economic models and participation in European initiatives such as 1+ Million Genomes and Genome of Europe.
- Clinical decision support systems and tools that can identify patient groups who will benefit the most from whole-genome sequencing.
- Engagement of patients, healthcare professionals and the public through information and education.
The collaboration between Denmark and Sweden is driven by a shared ambition to strengthen development through advanced and secure infrastructures, where research, healthcare and new technology are closely interconnected.
“The agreement with Genomic Medicine Sweden emphasizes the importance of close collaboration between the Swedish and Danish initiative to ensure a coordinated approach and the development of tangible solutions. The partnership marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts, where the exchange of knowledge and experiences across borders creates synergies that will benefit patients in both countries.” - Bettina Lundgren, CEO of the Danish National Genome Center.
About Genomic Medicine Sweden
Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) is the Swedish national infrastructure in genomic-based precision medicine aimed at ensuring that patients in Sweden have equal access to cost-effective genetic analyses to facilitate improved diagnostics and thereby more personalised care, treatment and prevention.
GMS is currently building an IT-infrastructure for the secure sharing of data between regional health authorities and academia.
GMS is one of the national initiatives that will play a vital role in achieving Sweden´s stated ambition of becoming a leading life science nation.
Genomic Medicine Sweden
About Danish National Genome Center
The Danish National Genome Center (DNGC) is an agency under the Ministry of Health, supporting the development of personalised medicine in collaboration with the Danish healthcare system, research institutions, and patient organisations.
The DNGC develops and runs a joint, national infrastructure for personalised medicine, including a national infrastructure for performing genome sequencing and storing of information in a national genome database, and a national research infrastructure supporting the further development of personalised medicine.
Danish National Genome Center