Our research project aims to improve the current approach of investigating complex diseases, such as neurological disorders, cancers, and other intricate health challenges, by identifying highly specific drug targets through human genetics. These targets, once validated, will guide us in developing innovative combinations of medications by applying the Multimodal Augmented Combinations (MACs) approach. This method, combining genetic insights with advanced biological data analysis, aims to precisely and concurrently target various facets of these diseases. This three-year project’s scientific rational is based on the inadequacies of current drug discovery methods, often failing to accurately reflect the complexity of human biology and underlying disease mechanisms with approximative and reductive models in laboratory settings. By leveraging human genetics, we aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that our treatments are more effective and tailored to the intricacies of these diseases. We will begin by meticulously analysing the data from the UK-Biobank and various consortia, using advanced genetics and omics analyses like Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS), Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies (TWAS), and Mendelian randomisation. These analyses will help us pinpoint specific pharmaceutical targets vital for our research pipeline. Our goal is to make a tangible impact on public health by developing novel , safer and more effective treatments for these complex diseases. By providing therapies that better align with the biological intricacies of each condition, we anticipate to significantly improve patient outcomes and address unmet medical needs.
