Science
BHF Professor builds enhanced data resource for coronavirus research
A rich source of data
UK Biobank is a large data set consisting of the health, lifestyle and genetic information of around half a million people in the UK. This project was originally funded by the Government through the MRC and the Wellcome Trust. Since its beginnings in 2006, UK Biobank has received millions of pounds of funding from the BHF to enhance the resource for researchers studying heart and circulatory diseases. The BHF is now a core funder.
Public Health England are now providing UK Biobank with new Covid-19 related data on study participants, including those with confirmed infection. The team led by Sir Rory Collins, BHF Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University Oxford and Chief Executive of UK Biobank, are building the enhanced data resource for exploration by 15,000 approved researchers in 85 countries around the world.
Unlocking clues
The hope is that by using this data resource, researchers will better understand the symptoms of coronavirus and why severity can vary significantly between individuals. They will also be able to explore the impact of different diseases and medications on patient outcome and gather comprehensive information on the course of the virus over time.
A goldmine for researchers
Professor Collins said: “This data will help researchers understand the differences between individuals. What are the differences in their genetics? Are there differences in the genes related to their immune response? Are there differences in their underlying health?
"The vast range of expertise already being applied to the UK Biobank data means that there are likely to be many ways in which these data would be used to help develop strategies to address this pandemic.”
Regarding the UK Biobank participants involved, he said: “I am sure they will be delighted to know that their efforts over many years are being used to tackle this crisis. They explicitly agreed to their health data being used in this way when they joined the study, and their generosity will be repaid many times over by the research community in the months and years ahead, as we learn more about the impact of this devastating illness on different people, and how to treat it.”
Research like this is vital
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, our Medical Director, said: “In this unprecedented time, we’re doing all we can to support the BHF research community to direct their efforts to better understanding Covid-19, especially the devastating impact it can have on people with heart and circulatory diseases.
"While the BHF is one of many funders of UK Biobank, this is a great example of how established research programmes can be adapted at pace to enhance our understanding of Covid-19. Research like this will be vital in the long-term strategy to beating the virus.”