World-first genetic test for babies' hearing wins major award
A team who led the research for a world-first genetic test that could save the hearing of hundreds of babies each year, has won the New Statesman Positive Impact in Healthcare Award 2022.
野狼社区 researchers, based at Saint Mary鈥檚 Hospital, part of 野狼社区 University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), worked with The University of 野狼社区 and 野狼社区-based firm genedrive Plc on the Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing (PALOH) study. Together, they developed the pioneering, rapid bedside genetic test which was .
Using a cheek swab, the test can identify in 26 minutes whether a critically ill baby admitted to intensive care has a gene change that could result in permanent hearing loss if they are treated with a common emergency antibiotic, Gentamicin.
While Gentamicin is used to safely treat approximately 100,000 babies a year, one in 500 babies carry the gene change that can lead to permanent hearing loss when given the antibiotic.
The new test means that babies found to have the genetic variant can be given an alternative antibiotic within the 鈥榞olden hour鈥� and could save the hearing of 200 babies in England every year.
PALOH study lead, Professor Bill Newman, Consultant in Genomic Medicine at MFT and Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at The University of 野狼社区, said: 鈥淚 am delighted for the team to receive this recognition of their fantastic efforts and their innovative approach in bringing this test to fruition.鈥�
The new swab test technique, which was piloted at MFT, replaces a test that traditionally took several days and is the first use of a rapid point of care genetic test in acute neonatal care.
Dr Ajit Mahaveer, Consultant Neonatologist, Rachel James, Senior Research Coordinator and Nicola Booth, Research Nurse Manager on the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Saint Mary鈥檚 Hospital, attended the awards ceremony in London and accepted the award on behalf of the team.
I am delighted for the team to receive this recognition of their fantastic efforts and their innovative approach in bringing this test to fruition
Dr Mahaveer said: "I am incredibly proud to be part of the team who made this study a reality and to be recognised at this year鈥檚 New Statesman Positive Impact Awards. It鈥檚 an honour to accept the award on behalf of the team, knowing the work we have put into delivering this research will truly make a difference to hundreds of babies鈥� lives each year.
鈥淎s a doctor dealing daily with infection, my main concern was how easy and quickly the test was to conduct, as it鈥檚 important that we do not delay antibiotic treatment. Our experience of using this test has been very positive. It鈥檚 straight-forward, non-invasive and will have a huge impact on our patients鈥� lives.鈥�
Professor Newman, Theme Co-Lead Lead for Rare Conditions, National Institute for Health and Care Research, 野狼社区 Biomedical Research Centre, continued: 鈥淚 am absolutely thrilled with the success of the study and that this test is now being used in routine clinical practice. This test will make a real difference, helping to ensure babies are not going to lose their hearing for a preventable reason.鈥�
It is expected the test could save the NHS 拢5 million every year by reducing the need for other interventions, such as cochlear implants.
Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in the NHS said: 鈥淭his ground-breaking bedside test for detecting whether an antibiotic could cause deafness in babies in intensive care is another example of how the NHS is harnessing the power of genomic medicine to transform patient care. This award is a tribute to the hard work of Professor Bill Newman and his team in 野狼社区.鈥�
Dr Gino Miele, R&D Director, genedrive plc, said: 鈥淭he collaboration of our company with the research and clinical team at MFT is a shining example of the NHS working with a commercial company to deliver real improvements in patient outcomes in a cost-effective way.鈥�
Caption: Rachel James, Senior Research Coordinator; Nicola Booth, Research Nurse Manager, Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Dr Ajit Mahaveer, Consultant Neonatologist at Saint Mary鈥檚 Hospital, part of MFT receiving the award on behalf of the PALOH team. (Photo credit: New Statesman Positive Impact Awards)