Expert says knowledge of genetics must be put to use

WITH one in every 33 babies in Ireland born with a genetic disorder, our lack of new therapies is unacceptable, a leading Irish medical expert declared yesterday.

Chief executive of the Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre (DMMC), Dr Pierre Meulien, said the discoveries that have been made must now be used to develop treatments that were effective and affordable for patients and the Government.

“What we need to do now is build a national clinical infrastructure that allows the translation of that knowledge,” said Dr Meulien, who is also vice-chair of the European Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry (EPPOSI).

There are more than 4,000 recognised genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and Down Syndrome, that are caused by an abnormality in an individual’s DNA. “We have built up the knowledge through research. Now there is a huge gap between the amount of knowledge that exists in the world and our abilities to translate that knowledge into something useful,” he said.

Dr Meulien said more investment in Ireland’s clinical infrastructure was needed because we were lagging behind many of our European competitors.

“What we need is a public/private partnership between industry, academia, patient groups and the Government because, together, we can make a real difference,” he declared.

Last September the five major medical schools in Ireland called for the development of a clinical infrastructure.