Genetic analysis follows landmark aspirin trial

The Australian-led project involves genetic analysis of DNA samples from 15,000 ASPREE trial participants, whose health was comprehensively tracked for up to seven years, and follows publication of primary ASPREE study results in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr Paul Lacaze, Head of Public Health Genomics, Monash University, said the project could help identify genetic markers associated with a positive or negative response to therapies. 

“It is possible that underlying genetic factors may explain why some people respond to drug therapies and others do not. If we can discover and understand these factors more clearly, it may help guide drug use in the future, maximising the benefits and minimising the risks for older people.”

This partnership between Monash University, Bioplatforms Australia and UNSW Sydney, will complement extensive clinical and health information collected in the ASPREE trial and associated studies, creating a powerful resource for biomedical research.

“ASPREE is a significant international collaboration that we are extremely excited to see enhanced by Bioplatforms’ genomics capability,” said Andrew Gilbert, General Manager of Bioplatforms Australia. 

“This project will enable new research across a broad range of diseases and investigate the use of genetic data towards improved public health outcomes.”

Monash University and Bioplatforms are funding the development of the $1 million genetic data resource, with analysis of this data expected to continue for several years.

The project uses genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis, using the new Thermo Fisher Axiom Precision Medicine Diversity Array, a state-of-the-art technology at the UNSW Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics. 

Dr Helen Speirs, Deputy Director of the Centre, said “We are excited to bring our expertise in high-throughput genotyping to this nationally important project.”

Dr Lacaze said the new partnership was an example of leading Australian research groups coming together to generate new genetic research into a range of health problems affecting the elderly, such as cancer, diabetes, dementia and age-related macular degeneration. 

“The project will generate much-needed evidence to help inform whether genetic factors may play a role in guiding more effective therapeutic and prevention strategies in years to come, bringing us closer to precision medicine," Dr Lacaze said.

Media contacts:
ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly Study) Genomics sub-study –Paul Lacaze [email protected] 0409 41 69 31.

Bioplatforms Australia – Andrew Gilbert [email protected] 0410 538 648.

Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics – Helen Speirs [email protected] 02 9385 1241