617genomics lab and computational unit will now be consolidated to form the
tentatively- named Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, which will try
to take genomic and biomarker-driven translational discoveries all the way to the
clinic. Teams at the two IGSP centers had previously worked on the gene expression
profi le discovery effort that eventually led to the CardioDx Corus CAD test, and
their pharmacogenetics program was involved in identifying genetic variants that
are involved in statin effi cacy and safety.
These groups have also conducted research for the US Department of Defense on
the use of genomic technologies to predict and diagnose the etiology of infectious
diseases. They now have an entire portfolio of gene expression profi les that can
distinguish between viral infections, bacterial infections, and fungal infections
based solely on host response. Clinical studies are ongoing to demonstrate the use-
fulness and validity of these profi les. An extensive ongoing program is focused on
systems pharmacogenomics and antiplatelet agents using genomics, RNA sequenc-
ing, proteomics, and metabolomics to understand the myriad pathways targeted by
aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs. These projects also include a family history
software platform called MeTree that captures information from patients in their
homes and delivers clinical decision reports about their risks for 20 different condi-
tions. The goal is that doctors can use it to decide if their patients should see a
genetic counselor, have an additional evaluation, or take a genetic test.
This center will provide core resources, education and training, and computa-
tional biology services to scientists from all corners of the campus, including those
involved in medical, engineering, environmental, and natural sciences research.
Clinical research studies will correlate genomic-based biomarkers with various
phenotypes and clinical outcomes, and then try to evaluate their impact patient care.
The aim will be to determine the value of genomic and personalized medicine and
if should it be adopted and reimbursed and possibly have regulatory approval.
Ignite Institute
The Ignite Institute ( http://www.ignitehealth.org/ ), established in 2009 in Virginia,
is a unique non-profi t personalized medicine institute, integrating biomedical
research, development, commercialization and clinical care. The Institute is the fi rst
to apply the latest genomic, biomedical, and technological innovations to enable
individualized health care at the community health level, which is the level where
most Americans receive care and where medicine needs to be more personalized,
effi cient and effective. Ignite is built on a collaborative “hybrid” model that includes
independent leadership, affi liations with universities and clinical centers of excel-
lence. Research is funded through traditional revenue streams (grants, contracts,
philanthropy and licensing revenue) as well as venture capital. The result is a verti-
cally integrated pipeline that moves from discovery to clinical implementation in a
shortened timeframe with reduced costs. Inova, a nationally recognized
Role of Academic Institutions in the US