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UK Biobank

 

Almost half a million strong – UK Biobank nears its first goal


UK Biobank is moving much closer to its goal of recruiting half a million 40-69 year-olds into the most detailed health study of its kind, anywhere in the world.

In the past three years more than 440,000 generous people have been motivated to take part in the project which will improve the health of future generations.

Recruitment is on schedule to finish on time and in budget over the summer, and plans are being made to ensure the resource is put to best scientific use over the next 30 years and more.

Participants provide detailed information on their health and lifestyle, have some body measurements taken (such as blood pressure, height, weight, lung function, hearing, sight and fitness assessment) and provide samples of blood, urine and saliva for long term storage and analysis, including genetic. They also agree to have their health followed for 30 years.

Over many years to come, the resource will help scientists understand why some people get particular diseases and others do not, paving the way for better treatment and prevention strategies.

UK Biobank will offer hope on a wide range of disorders that cause pain and suffering and that may be life-threatening. This includes cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, depression, osteoporosis – and many other common illnesses that tend to occur in mid to later life.

Scientists know a lot about some of these illnesses, but still not enough. Others, like dementia, are increasing in number year on year, with a huge impact on quality of life of patients and the families and friends who work as carers.

The success in recruiting 500,000 people from across the country is only the start. A detailed Access and IT policy is now being formulated which will govern how bona fide scientists from around the world will be able to use the exciting resource to further their research. All information provided to researchers will be anonymised – so that they will never know who has actually provided the information, ensuring that private health information is kept secure.

Participants and members of the public will be able to follow the success of the resource on line. The UK Biobank web site (www.ukbiobank.ac.uk) is being revamped to provide information about how the resource is used – with full transparency being the key to ensuring participants stay with the project for the long run.

Look out for the first findings from the resource in a year or so, with the project becoming ever more valuable as the years pass and more disease details are collected. Meanwhile, UK Biobank speaks for future generations when it says a big thank you to everyone who has given their time to participate in this exciting and ambitious health project.