Precision Medicine and Ancestry

Abstract

•    Precision medicine is a valuable new tool to aid diagnosis and prescription •    A new generation of DNA sequencing technology makes it possible to obtain complete genomes for individual patients. •    Large-scale genome-wide surveys of associations between DNA markers and disease conditions are a key resource in this process. •    Individual patients will be able to get health advice based on their personal Polygenic Risk Score (PRS). •    All PRS statistics depend on knowledge about ancestry. •    In Aotearoa/New Zealand engagement with, or work led by, Māori and Pasifika voices is required. •    There are already existing examples to show how widely and successfully this programme has been adopted overseas.