Egypt Genome Project identifies 17 million new genetic variants, paving way for precision medicine

Egypt has published its first peer-reviewed research paper detailing the results of the Egypt Genome Project 1K EGP1K, a landmark study that sequenced the full genomes of 1,024 unrelated citizens. The project identified over 51 million genetic variants, including 17 million previously unknown to global databases. Health Ministry Spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar stated that the Egyptian genome is now a tool for doctors to protect the lives of Egyptians. Led by Dr. Khaled Amer ECRRM and Dr. Ahmed Mostafa AUC, the initiative marks a shift toward "precision medicine" tailored to the local population. Samples were collected from 21 of Egypt’s 27 governorates, with all laboratory analyses conducted in Cairo. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that European-based risk tools incorrectly classified a high percentage of Egyptians as "high risk" for strokes and chronic kidney disease. The EGP1K will enable the development of "100% Egyptian" personalized tests for accurate identification of individuals requiring intervention. The study also found that 9.1% of Egyptians carry the gene for Familial Mediterranean Fever FMF, leading to approximately 6,600 affected births annually. This data will be used to provide free preventive screenings and treatments for at-risk families and improve the management of thalassemia and hereditary hearing loss. The "Egypt Genome Consortium" involved over 30 researchers and represents efforts by several institutions, including the Ministry of Health, the Armed Force