1:1
Published on 14 December, this WHO technical document maps global trends in registered clinical studies using human genomic technologies from 1990 to 2024, including patterns of inclusion and equity.

This WHO snapshot provides a global overview of clinical studies involving human genomic technologies registered between 1990 and 2024. It summarises how research activity has evolved over time and examines patterns in growth, disease focus, geographical distribution and population inclusion, with specific attention to equity of participation. The report is intended to inform stakeholders about the current landscape of genomics in clinical research and where gaps or imbalances may remain.

Year of publication

2025

Source

World Health Organization (WHO) (Technical document; WHO Team: Research for Health (RFH))

Link to cite

Acces to Link >

Author

WHO Team: Research for Health (RFH)

You might also be interested in

This initiative is also highly relevant from a rare diseases perspective, as paediatric cancers are rare conditions where small patient populations make robust non‑clinical proof‑of‑concept data essential for responsible and ethical trial initiation.
For rare diseases, where research often relies on limited animal models and small development teams, the regulatory acceptance of virtual control groups could help streamline early non‑clinical studies while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety.
Bringing clinicians, researchers, patient representatives and families together, the event examined how shorter diagnostic pathways depend not only on better tests, but on shared expertise, structured phenotyping and patient-centred support.
ERDERA and the European Genomic Data Infrastructure have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration on secure cross-border access to genomic, clinical and other health-related data, supporting rare disease research and the development of personalised medicine in Europe.