International genomic data sharing by health technologies industries (HTIs): eight Points to Consider

16 Dec 2025

We are pleased to present an infographic highlighting key principles for responsible international genomic and health data sharing by health technology industries. This infographic is adapted from the 2024 resource “International Genomic Data Sharing by Health Technologies Industries: Points to Consider,” developed by the Industry Core Group and the Centre of Genomics and Policy, part of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine — a GA4GH Host Institution.

The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) facilitates interoperable genomic and health data sharing, anchored by a human rights framework. An ethical and effective data sharing ecosystem is crucial to turning new insights into treatments and therapeutics for patient care. To realise the promise of genomic medicine, continuous, symbiotic dialogue between public and private enterprises is key. 

The Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill University, and a core group of industry representatives, developed a guidance document to support health technologies industries (HTI) in sharing data responsibly when translating genomic discoveries into commercial products. This guide, entitled “International Genomic Data Sharing by Health Technologies Industries: Points to Consider“, is situated around eight core considerations that can be adapted to specific HTI contexts and project-specific needs.

By synthesising key ethical, legal, and social issues surrounding genomic data sharing, the industry working group proposed these points to help HTIs better align their best practices with accepted data sharing standards developed by global consortia such as GA4GH. In doing so, HTIs may also foster enhanced trustworthiness among genomics researchers and the general public — two stakeholder groups that are critical to advancing rigorous genomic science. 

The guidance document and accompanying infographic are intended to be resources that support innovation and development of genomic outputs that can mutually benefit patient communities and private companies while ensuring robust privacy protection. Likewise, research that considers these points can facilitate global genomic data flows and pipelines between relevant scientific, clinical, and industry partners.

View a PDF of the infographic: International Genomic Data Sharing by Health Technologies Industries_ Points to Consider.