UK genome project a ‘step change’ in tackling respiratory viruses

Sanger Institute initiative could lead to single test allowing more effective vaccines and treatments

At the peak of the Covid pandemic, UK labs were sequencing thousands of Sars-CoV-2 genomes a day to keep track of circulating variants, and identify any new ones that emerged.

Now researchers at the Sanger Institute are launching a project that could ultimately achieve something similar for the numerous other respiratory viruses that make us sick - and fill up UK hospital beds - each year.