A national framework for transition to precision medicine

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Innovation
• Genomic Medicine
• Personalized Healthcare

Background:

• Precision medicine (PM) tailors healthcare based on individual variability, including genetics, history, and lifestyle.
• The global shift towards PM necessitates understanding implementation frameworks.
• Iran's unique healthcare landscape requires a specific approach to PM adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an appropriate framework for implementing precision medicine in Iran.
• To identify global and country-specific requirements for transitioning to PM.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of global transition frameworks.
• Case study in Iran using semi-structured interviews and an expert panel.
• Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) questionnaire with PM specialists, researchers, and patients.

Main Results:

• Transition to PM involves sequential steps: common medicine -> stratified medicine -> PM.
• Successful PM implementation requires strong economic, social, political, institutional, and technological infrastructures.
• Government plays a key role in early phases; market demand and new health actors emerge later.
• Iran's transition to PM shows specific differences, particularly in intermediate stages.

Conclusions:

• Developing a tailored framework is crucial for Iran's precision medicine adoption.
• Addressing infrastructural needs and understanding the evolving role of government and market is essential.
• The transition in Iran presents unique challenges and requires adaptive strategies.