Women's Precision Medicine

Diagnostics, treatments and care delivery have largely been influenced by the laws of averages, particularly in biological sciences and clinical research. These averages often have been skewed by male-dominated biological and clinical studies.

It is undeniable that women possess myriad of biological systems, markers and determinants that are unique to their gender. They also may interact differently with the world around them according to socio-economic, cultural and environmental patterns.

Meanwhile, researchers around the world are making discoveries and collecting mountains of data describing the intricate workings of cells and organisms, the staggering complexity of biological processes, and what goes wrong in disease. This data deluge is the currency of precision medicine and within it are the answers to predict, prevent and better treat the diseases that uniquely afflict women.

This intentional focus on addressing the needs of women will enable us to recognize and address conditions that are unique, more common or more serious in women, and to identify risk factors, response to treatment, or interventions that are different for women. A more precise understanding of the biological and social gender factors that contribute to women’s health will also yield discoveries and improved health for men, children and communities.

The integration of molecular, clinical and population health data – the heart of precision medicine – also will result in a deep understanding of a woman's personal health, risks and treatments, and shed light on new disease classifications, diagnostics, prognostics and therapeutics.

Those leading the way in this field include:

Learn more about women's precision medicine projects here.