Cairo to Cape Town: Genomic innovations shaping emerging markets

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter, where we explore how genomics is revolutionizing healthcare in emerging markets. As advancements in genomics reshape medicine globally, emerging nations stand on the cusp of a healthcare transformation. Precision medicine, early disease detection, and personalized treatments are becoming increasingly accessible. In this edition, we examine the potential, progress, and challenges of genomics adoption in these regions - and how they can leverage it to improve patient outcomes.

Genomics is the study of an organism’s complete set of genes, revealing how DNA influences biological functions, inherited traits, and disease patterns. By analysing genetic sequences, researchers uncover insights into evolution, human health, and the mechanisms that drive the life itself. This knowledge is fuelling advancements in medicine and driving better treatment outcomes.

Applications of genomics

Genomics is changing healthcare by improving how diseases are detected, treated, and prevented. Personalized medicine tailors treatments to an individual’s genetic profile, increasing efficacy while minimizing side effects. Rapid genomic sequencing accelerates drug discovery, making lifesaving medications more accessible. Additionally, genomic data enhances disease surveillance and vaccine development thus strengthening public health responses and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Exhibit 1: Benefits of genomics

Market opportunity

The genomics market across emerging economies is witnessing robust growth, propelled by advancements in healthcare infrastructure, increased investment in R&D, and a rising demand for personalized medicine. Emerging countries such as Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, India and China are at the forefront of this transformation.

Exhibit 2: Genomics market size across select emerging economiesGenomics initiatives in emerging countries

Egypt's hepatitis C screening initiative has successfully treated millions of patients, while South Africa pioneers genomics in infectious disease research with a focus on HIV and tuberculosis. Brazil's Genomes Program is enhancing medical research and guiding health policies across the nation. China is advancing precision oncology and establishing rare disease registries, which are improving targeted cancer treatments and accelerating diagnosis speeds. These diverse efforts collectively demonstrate the growing impact of genomics in tackling critical healthcare challenges in developing regions.

Exhibit 3: Genomics initiatives of emerging countries

Challenges

The widespread adoption of genomics remains a challenge in emerging countries due to several factors, such as the limited infrastructure and skilled talent, stemming from broader issues such as limited funding, inadequate training, and constrained educational pipelines. The impact of such shortages is evident, given in 2021, African nations sequenced only 7K COVID-19 genomes over 50 days, compared to 590K by EU countries in half that period. Similarly, additional challenges, such as high equipment costs, regulatory barriers, and underrepresentation of local genomic data also hinders the adoption.

Exhibit 4: Challenges in the adoption of genomics

Conclusion

Genomics holds immense potential to reshape healthcare in emerging countries. These countries are actively contributing to global research and innovation. However, challenges remain, including high costs, infrastructure gaps, and the need for greater regulatory frameworks. The next phase of growth will depend on increased investments, public-private partnerships, workforce training, regulatory support, and expanded genomic data collection that represents the diverse populations of these regions.

As costs decline and accessibility improves, genomics has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, making personalized medicine a reality for millions. The coming years will be pivotal, and nations that embrace this transformation will lead the charge in reshaping global health outcomes.