
Funding Gaps Threaten Genomic Advances in Latin America
In Latin America, efforts to implement preventive strategies, diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment for patients with rheumatic diseases often face significant barriers. However, there have been promising developments, many of which have been driven by the growing field of genomic medicine.
One such initiative is the Ibero-American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Rheumatic Diseases (IARGE-RD). The project collected more than 3000 DNA samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy individuals across multiple countries. The aim is to reach 5000 samples by 2026.
'Obtaining genomic data from Latin American populations is crucial because it allows us to better understand the genetic and clinical characteristics of these populations. Currently, most genetic data comes from European populations, which limits the ability to extrapolate the results obtained,' said Roberto Díaz Peña, PhD in Biochemistry, principal investigator at the Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where he conducts research as a Miguel Servet Researcher affiliated with the Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica. He also served as an associate researcher at the Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Spain, and told Medscape Spanish.
The goals and vision of the IARGE-RD are detailed in an article published in The Journal of Rheumatology . The consortium aims to foster the development and implementation of precision medicine strategies to address inequities faced by patients with rheumatic diseases in Latin America.
The authors emphasized that achieving this goal would require collaborative efforts in the region, involving various sectors interested in increasing the use of genomic medicine in clinical practice.
Gabriela Ortiz Cruz, PhD, a specialist in genetics, is actively contributing to these efforts. She is the founder, lead researcher, and professor at the Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Mexico. The center is based at Dr Gonzalo Valdés Valdés University Hospital of Saltillo, Saltillo, Mexico, where she has advanced research and education in genetics and genomics.
Although she was not directly involved in the IARGE-RD, Ortiz Cruz emphasized the project's importance for Latin America. She noted that it addressed key regional challenges, including genomic representation, equitable access to diagnostic tools, the potential for personalized prevention and treatment, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.
'For me, the Ibero-American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Rheumatic Diseases represents a significant step toward equity in precision medicine and the decentralization of genetic research. It is an initiative that not only addresses scientific needs but also has the potential to transform the quality of life of people in the region,' said Ortiz Cruz.
Despite its promise, the consortium faces a major obstacle: A lack of sustained funding.
The initiative was launched in 2022 with the support of Chile's National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development. Initially a collaboration between Chile and Spain, the initiative grew rapidly and expanded to include contributors from other Latin American countries.
Currently, healthcare professionals from a wide range of centers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico actively collaborate in this study. The current research focuses on rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies, primarily because these are the conditions for which funding has been secured. However, the consortium plans to broaden its scope to include other rheumatic diseases.
'We have financial support from Chile's National Agency for Research and Development; however, expanding the project to include other neighboring countries and additional rheumatic diseases will require more funding and an increased number of collaborations,' said Díaz Peña.
According to Díaz Peña, the main challenge in this region is the lack of sufficient funding to conduct large-scale genomic studies. He emphasized that long-term financial support from research agencies, academic institutions, and private partners is essential for a project's success.
Ortiz Cruz echoed this concern, pointing to lack of funding as one of the most pressing issues for research initiatives in Latin America.
'In Latin America, financial resources allocated to research are generally limited, and other areas of public health are often prioritized over genomic research. Furthermore, many genomic research projects depend on international funding, which is not always consistent, creating instability or uncertainty regarding continuity,' he said.
He added that 'to overcome this obstacle, public-private partnerships could be created and government policies that prioritize health research could be promoted, while also promoting awareness campaigns about the return on investment in genomics. The latter would justify greater budget allocations.'
Can Latin America Lead the Way in Genomic Medicine?
Despite these challenges, Ortiz Cruz believes that Latin America is well positioned to become a global leader in genomic and precision medicine. The region's rich genetic diversity, shaped by Indigenous, African, European, and Asian ancestries, offers a unique opportunity to study genetic variants, gene-environment interactions, and disease susceptibility patterns that might not be evident in other populations.
Furthermore, it is associated with a high incidence of autoimmune, metabolic, infectious, and chronic diseases. These conditions are amenable to genomic research and the extraction of specific biomarkers, with the aim of finding solutions tailored to the local needs of the population.
In addition, she highlighted that the region has a growing community of researchers who are highly trained and motivated to develop innovative and relevant strategies in their environment.
'All of these aspects position Latin America as fertile ground for the advancement of genomic research. By leveraging these strengths and overcoming challenges, the region can become a global leader in precision medicine tailored to diverse populations,' said Ortiz Cruz.
Ortiz Cruz urged regional leaders not to miss this opportunity and to invest in and support research projects in genomic medicine.
'This is a crucial moment to make visionary decisions that will not only transform the way we understand and treat diseases but will also leave a legacy of innovation and equity for future generations. The impact will be tangible, measurable, and transcendental for the well-being of all,' said Ortiz Cruz.
Looking ahead, the IARGE-RD plans to expand its reach by 2025, inviting more countries to join and strengthening their collaborations with genomic research groups across Latin America and beyond.
'We certainly invite all clinical and basic researchers interested in expanding their knowledge of genomics applied to rheumatic diseases in Latin America to join the Ibero-American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Rheumatic Diseases. Our goal is to create a strong and diverse collaborative network,' Díaz Peña concluded.
All authors reported no relevant financial relationships. Díaz Peña and Ortiz Cruz declared having no relevant financial relationships.
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