Two researchers at the university have been awarded funding for their genomic prescribing system.
The Chicago University Innovation Fund has awarded $100,000 in funding to two of its researchers to advance their genomic prescribing system. Dr Mark Ratain’s and Dr Peter O’Donnell’s software and database helps GPs to consider a patient’s genetic information when prescribing drugs or orther treatments.
The fund was set up to invest in both proof-of-concept and early business development work for new ventures by faculty, students and staff. Ratain’s and O’Donnell’s technology is one of several research projects at the university that have been awarded a total of $314,300 during past quarter.
Their fellow awardees are Dr Melissa Gilliam and Ci3’s Game Changer Chicago Design Lab, who are using game design to teach teenagers about sexual health. Dr Alex Langerman meanwhile created the Explorer Surgical Information System, the aim of which is to improve workflow in the operating theatre.
The genomic prescribing system is based on a previous research project, called 1200 Patients Project, a clinical study led by O’Donnell. That study set up a database of how patients with specific genetic profiles might react to certain drugs, and made that database accessible to staff in the clinic to use and compare against.
No announcement has been made on whether the genomic prescribing system will be commercialised.
