65 million for genomics of cancer, diabetes and kidney diseases
Mexican tycoon has allocated $65 million for genetic research on cancer and diabetes
Dmitry Tselikov, Compulenta
Mexican telecommunications magnate Carlos Slim has allocated $65 million for genetic research on cancer, type 2 diabetes and kidney diseases.
Scientists from Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (both USA) and the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (Mexico) will master these funds for three years as part of the Slim Genomic Medicine Initiative project.
Carlos Slim, who heads the conglomerate Grupo Carso and is one of the richest people in the world (his fortune is estimated at 8% of Mexico's GDP), said that the project will definitely help doctors diagnose diseases and treat people. "Only the development of genomic technologies and related fields of knowledge, as it was before with vaccines, will help to cope with these ailments," the tycoon said.
Eric Lander, president and director of the Broad Institute, a joint project of Harvard University and MIT, noted that the researchers will analyze about 10 thousand samples in their allotted time. Seven types of cancer will be studied, and with regard to diabetes, special attention will be paid to the DNA of residents of Latin America, where it is one of the most common hereditary diseases.
The development of drugs is not included in the plans of scientists. Even in three years it is impossible to kill two birds with one stone.
The project will be financed by the Institute of Health named after. Carlos Slim, founded by an oligarch three years ago. Mr. Slim, by the way, stressed that he was not going to profit commercially from the results of the study.
Prepared by the Associated Press: Mexican tycoon gives $65 million to genetic studyPortal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru