Project to Establish the Largest Database on the African Genome

To build the largest population genomic database in the world, researchers intend to collect genetic samples from 500,000 people of African origin.

Building a new “reference genome” could help researchers better understand the genetic variations that impact Black people, which could lead to the development of novel treatments and diagnostic tools and the elimination of health disparities.

Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, the Regeneron Genetics Centre, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Roche have joined together to begin the programme.

Pharmaceutical corporations are supporting the project, and the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute will be in charge of managing the data.

Today, less than 2% of genetic data being researched originates from persons of African ancestry. The project has no connections to ongoing, related research.

Following genetic sequencing, the information will be moved to a repository at the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute. Only HBCUs and participating institutions in Africa will have access to the database.

The data will be available to partner companies for research and development of pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tools.

The 10-year effort also include developing a grant programme to finance Meharry’s genetics and associated field research and instruction, as well as larger STEM initiatives for local elementary school students.