InnoThyroGen (Innovating Thyroid Health with Genomics and Predictive Algorithms through Collaborative Excellence) (https://www.innothyrogen.eu/) is an EU-funded project under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-07-01 Excellence Hubs call. Submitted in March 2024, the project was selected as one of only 12 funded proposals out of 205 applications, making it the only Excellence Hub project coordinated by an institution from Croatia.
This achievement marks a historic milestone for the University of Split, as InnoThyroGen is the first Horizon Europe project coordinated by a faculty within the university. The project officially commenced on January 1, 2025, and will run until December 31, 2028, with a total EU contribution of €4,937,275.00. The University of Split School of Medicine (https://mefst.unist.hr/) serves as the coordinating institution.
The main goal of InnoThyroGen is to advance thyroid health research by integrating genomics, predictive algorithms, and personalized medicine into clinical practice. The project focuses on developing innovative solutions for diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, as well as the growing prevalence of thyroid cancers.
It is estimated that nearly 60% of individuals with thyroid disorders remain undiagnosed, complicating timely intervention and treatment. Despite the availability of various therapeutic options, including levothyroxine and antithyroid medications, a significant number of patients face challenges such as improper dosing, adverse drug effects, and the need for frequent treatment adjustments. These issues highlight the necessity for a more personalized approach to care, one that takes into account genetic predispositions and environmental influences.
InnoThyroGen leverages the latest advancements in genomics, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and polygenic risk scores (PRS), to improve diagnostic and preventive strategies. By integrating genetic data with electronic health records and lifestyle information, the project enables more accurate predictions and personalized medical care.
Additionally, pharmacogenomics provides the foundation for tailoring therapies to individuals based on their genetic profiles. The development of specialized thyroid disease gene panels, combined with artificial intelligence and digital solutions, represents a crucial step toward introducing personalized medicine into clinical practice.
Furthermore, InnoThyroGen has the potential to reduce healthcare costs, enhance treatment effectiveness, and improve patients’ quality of life.
