2.2 Personalized and precision medicine
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, this model uses an individual’s genetic, environmental and lifestyle data to create tailored health plans. By tailoring medical interventions, this approach aims to improve health outcomes, minimize adverse side effects, and ultimately increase longevity at an individual and population level.
Personalisation can be based on genetic and epigenetic information, personality and psychological factors, and on lifestyle behaviours, discussed in detail in the Innovation in Prevention Chapter.
In practice, this approach is being carried out through a range of digital health platforms and diagnostic providers. Some companies in this space focus on longevity and preventive care, offering memberships that include comprehensive annual lab tests covering over 100 biomarkers related to cardiovascular health, hormones, metabolism, and biological age. The resulting data is used to develop personalized health and longevity protocols, supported by AI-driven insights and access to clinical professionals.
Other providers offer similar memberships that cover extensive lab testing, far beyond the scope of a standard physical exam. Members receive clinician summaries and access to secure dashboards that allow them to track results over time, monitor early indicators of disease, and take proactive steps to enhance their health.
In addition, large diagnostic laboratories offer genetic testing services, while pharmaceutical developers continue to advance targeted therapy research and treatments aimed at precision medicine.
The future of personalized medicine will be shaped by several key trends. The increasing accessibility and affordability of Next-Generation Sequencing and other -omics technologies will make a person’s entire genetic profile a routine part of their medical record. AI and machine learning will play a critical role in analyzing the massive datasets generated from genetic sequencing, lab tests, and wearable devices, enabling the development of sophisticated, personalized treatment plans. The integration of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring will also allow for continuous tracking of a person’s health metrics, providing real-time data that can be used to adjust treatments and interventions as needed. This shift will empower patients to become more proactive partners in their own healthcare, with a focus on preventive care and health optimization rather than just disease treatment (Sermo Team, 2024).
This evolution will fundamentally change the practice of medicine. In addition to lifestyle factors, the additional understanding of the underlying molecular and genetic drivers of disease will lead to more precise and effective treatments. The increased use of virtual twins, which are digital models of a patient’s organs and cells, will allow doctors to simulate different treatment scenarios before a drug is even administered, improving patient safety and efficacy (3DS Blog, 2025). This will lead to a more personalized, holistic, and preventive approach to healthcare that can significantly improve health outcomes and extend the human healthspan.