What if a treatment created for one person could transform care for thousands?
From Behind the Genes by Genomics England
March 25, 2026 · 27 min · Episode 186
About this episode
The episode discusses the evolution of individualised medicines from single patient treatments to broader applications for rare conditions, highlighting the role of genomic medicine and the necessary changes in healthcare systems.
In this episode, we explore how individualised medicines are evolving from “n=1” treatments (a treatment effective for a single individual) into approaches that could transform care for many people living with rare conditions. Advances in genomic medicine are making it possible to design highly targeted treatments based on an individual’s genetic information. While these therapies may begin as bespoke solutions for a single patient, they can often be adapted, refined or reused to benefit others with similar conditions. While the research is evolving, the systems needed to deliver these treatments at scale are still catching up. From regulation to access, our guests discuss what needs to change to turn this potential into reality. Our host Sharon Jones, is joined by: Ana Lisa Tavares, Clinical Lead for Rare Disease Research at Genomics England Mel Dixon, Participant Panel member and CEO and Founder of Cure DHDDS If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please like and share wherever you listen to your podcasts. “However rare your condition is, someone has a right to have hope. Everybody should have a hope that we should be able to find a treatment.” You can download the transcript or…
People in this episode
Host: Sharon Jones
Guests: Ana Lisa Tavares, Mel Dixon
Topics covered
- individualised medicine
- genomic medicine
- rare conditions
- treatment evolution
- healthcare access
Keywords
- individualised medicines
- genomic medicine
- rare diseases
- treatment access
- healthcare regulation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Genomics England, Cure DHDDS
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- What is the Participant Panel at Genomics England? · April 15, 2026 · 10 min
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