What Is Stratified Medicine?

Stratified medicine, sometimes also known as precision medicine, allows us to identify and develop treatments that are effective for particular groups of patients. Ultimately, stratified medicine will ensure that the right patient gets the right treatment at the right time.

In order to achieve the aims of stratified medicine a multidisciplinary approach is required; combining expertise from research scientists, clinical professionals, support from industry and patient charities, underpinned by the infrastructure of the NHS and the commitment of patients. The UKRI MRC began its Stratified Medicine Initiative in 2010 to support research consortia in this area.

The third call was held in 2017, where the UKRI MRC, with co-funding from Cancer Research UK and Arthritis Research UK (now known as Versus Arthritis), supported a further four consortia which had shown a strong case for scientific advancement and major clinical unmet need: paediatric arthritis; prostate cancer; alcoholic hepatitis; and renal disease.