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This study assessed Tunisia's readiness for precision medicine by mapping publicly available omics datasets and related publications using Tunisian human data from 2010-2023. The review identified 11 omics datasets (primarily genomic) and 104 publications, with whole exome sequencing and targeted gene panels being the most common approaches, mainly focused on cancers. The authors conclude that Tunisia needs a national omics data repository and more collaboration to advance precision medicine.
This review highlights the current state of omics data availability in Tunisia, revealing a significant gap in non-genomic omics data that needs to be addressed to advance precision medicine initiatives.
OBJECTIVE The transition to precision medicine (PM) is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling diagnostics and treatments tailored to individual molecular and genetic profiles, with omics sciences at its core. In Tunisia, growing interest is seen through initiatives such as Personalized Medicine in North Africa (PerMediNA). METHODS This study assesses Tunisia's readiness for PM by mapping publicly available omics datasets and related publications using Tunisian human data. A structured search across PubMed and major repositories covered studies published between 2010 and 2023 involving high-throughput technologies. RESULTS A total of 11 omics datasets were found, mainly genomic, alongside 104 publications, of which 96 focused on genomics. Whole exome sequencing (n = 46) and targeted gene panels (n = 37) were the most used approaches. Only six proteomics, one transcriptomics, and one metagenomics studies were identified; no epigenomics or metabolomics datasets were found. Research centered mainly on cancers, including breast, colorectal, and leukemia. While Tunisia shows progress in genomics, major gaps exist in other omics domains. CONCLUSIONS Advancing PM in Tunisia requires establishing a national omics data repository with ethical governance, promoting North - South collaborations to build capacity in non-genomic omics fields, and fostering public - private partnerships to strengthen infrastructure, data sharing, and sustainable research development.
