Initiative will establish the world’s largest African ancestry research dataset and close critical gaps in genomic and phenotypic data

Vibrent Health, the leading digital platform for next-generation person-centered health research, is pleased to announce the launch of the Genomics REsearch Advancing Transformational (GREAT) Health Study at Meharry Medical College.

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Dr. James E.K. Hildreth donating DNA to Meharry's GREAT Health Study. Photo by: WTVF

This ground-breaking initiative, unveiled Oct. 7 at the Meharry campus in Nashville, Tennessee, marks an historic step towards building a comprehensive, whole-human dataset focused on persons with African ancestry. The study collects biospecimens, electronic health records (EHR), survey data, and more to advance drug discovery and health outcomes.

In a powerful demonstration of leadership, Meharry President James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D., enrolled as the first participant in the GREAT Study. “This study will enhance genetic predictability, improve risk assessments, and ultimately allow us to address health disparities in individuals of African ancestry. There are 7,000 diseases that have a genetic basis for which we have no treatment. This study will be part of finding answers to some of those, especially as it relates to those that have African ancestry,” said Dr. Hildreth. “Once we have thousands and thousands of genomes, we can actually use artificial intelligence and the tools of data science to start unlocking some of the secrets that our DNA holds.”

The GREAT study runs on Vibrent’s cyber-secure, privacy-preserving platform enabling participant participant enrollment, eConsent, data collection, and returning results to participants. With deep experience supporting large-scale, community-engaged programs including the NIH’s All of Us Research Program, Vibrent equips Meharry to engage participants while safeguarding their data, which will accelerate scientific discoveries driving more inclusive healthcare.

“The launch of the GREAT Health Study and the opening of the Meharry DNA Learning Center represent transformative moments for both genomics research and education,” said Praduman “PJ” Jain, CEO and Founder of Vibrent Health. “Together we will advance health equity and build a scalable research resource that increases access for future generations of students, STEM programs and young scientists.”

“Communities of African descent have long been underrepresented in genomics research,” said Rajbir Singh, MBBS, lead principal investigator for the study. “Meharry leading this initiative will build trust, motivate others to join the study and ensure the research reflects African ancestry.”

The GREAT Study is part of the $80M Together for Change (T4C) initiative established by Meharry, and funded by pharmaceutical leaders Regeneron, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Roche. It aims to collect genetic and phenotypic data from up to 500,000 participants.

Participants can join now at www.greatstudy.org.

About Vibrent Health

Vibrent Health develops person-centered digital health technology and research tools to power the next generation of precision medicine. Vibrent is proud to collaborate with numerous academic research organizations, cancer centers, registries, and federal agencies to conduct population health research across topics including precision medicine, cancer screening and prevention, survivorship, COVID, mental health, aging, and others. Learn more at vibrenthealth.com.

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“This study will enhance genetic predictability, improve risk assessments, and ultimately allow us to address health disparities in individuals of African ancestry."