New research explores how data can help detect disease earlier and improve patient care

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Every patient has a story, yet no single source of health information tells the whole story. What if researchers could use data to identify multiple sclerosis years before symptoms become apparent? Predict inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups before they occur? Or understand why two patients with similar heart disease have very different outcomes?

Genome BC is supporting six new research projects designed to answer these questions. Funded through Genome BC's Data Access, Integration and Analysis 2 (DAIA2) program, the projects will use the province’s Health Data Platform BC to securely integrate genomic information, healthcare records and other sources of health information.

By creating a more complete picture of disease, researchers hope to uncover new evidence that could lead to earlier diagnosis, more personalized care and better health outcomes for British Columbians.

"For years, our healthcare system has generated vast amounts of health information, but much of it remained siloed and disconnected. Now that is changing and we are increasingly able to responsibly bring that information together to answer questions that matter to patients," said Dr. Zsuzsanna Hollander, Interim Vice President, Research and Innovation, Genome BC.

Among the projects are:

• Recognizing multiple sclerosis earlier. Researchers will investigate whether combining inherited genetic risk with patterns of healthcare use could reveal early warning signs of multiple sclerosis years before diagnosis, enabling earlier recognition and treatment.
• Improving care for heart disease. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are the leading causes of illness and death in British Columbia. This project will evaluate whether genomic information can strengthen prediction and management of these types of diseases by combining whole genome sequencing with heart imaging, laboratory data and long-term health outcomes.
• Predicting inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups. Researchers will study how diet, the gut microbiome and genomic information interact to improve prediction of flare-ups and support more personalized care for people living with inflammatory bowel disease.
  
  

Additional projects will investigate new biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), evaluate whether genetic risk scores can improve prediction of COPD outcomes and examine the long-term health impacts of prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke.

DAIA2 supports research that combines genomic information with data held through Health Data Platform BC, helping researchers investigate complex health questions while maintaining strong safeguards for privacy and security. Together, the six projects will help build evidence for more precise, informed and responsive healthcare in British Columbia.

BACKGROUNDER ATTACHED

About Genome British Columbia

Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for more than 25 years, growing a world class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1.2 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 650 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. www.genomebc.ca

CONTACT: Brad Lyle, Communications Manager, Brand and Marketing
Genome BC, 778-999-8195, blyle@genomebc.ca

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