103863Development of a data repository for simulation of precision medicine studiesClosedCollaborative R&DISCFThe project aims to develop a demonstrator of a cloud-based software and storage platform for high-dimensional biological marker (biomarker) data for use in simulating precision medicine studies. Precision medicine is a current research strategy used by the pharmaceutical industry to improve the targeting of new treatments to patients most likely to benefit. This approach requires large quantities of patient information to be collected and analysed to identify potential biomarkers which can help to distinguish patients who may respond well to treatment. For the best design of precision medicine studies in the real world it is helpful to examine many possible study designs and their potential outcomes by conducting virtual studies using computer simulation. This involves using a mathematical model to simulate large numbers of virtual studies to predict potential patient outcomes under different biological conditions. In this way, researchers can investigate many possible outcomes in a virtual space before commiting to further studies in the real world, helping to bring down costs and plan the best clinical studies in real world trials. Here, a user-controlled data storage facility will provide a valuable new resource in providing a single secure space for storing large amounts of real world biomarker data for use as inputs into simulations. This will create a unique library of data templates for simulating the most realistic precision medicine studies yet, helping to ensure that real studies will have the best design and analysis to deliver successful outcomes for biomarker research bringing about safer, more effective treatments.