DigiTwin4PH: Digital Twins for Personalised Healthcare
DigiTwin4PH is a Belgian research project, funded by BOSA, that focuses on the use of AI and digital twins in healthcare. It develops personalised computer models for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The programme includes five proof-of-concept projects, one of which is led by VITO, and also offers an educational curriculum, ecosystem expansion, and a translational pathway. Through this project, VITO strengthens Belgium's position as a leader in digital healthcare within the EU. The project contributes to a more sustainable, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare system.
At the intersection of digitalisation and healthcare
The concept of digital twins for personalised healthcare refers to the use of individual-specific computer models (AI and other techniques) for various medical applications, such as prevention, prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, as well as optimisation, selection, and personalisation of interventions.
These digital twins also play a role in the development of medical products and in reducing risks, costs, and time to market. They help limit animal testing and enhance the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. This concept sits at the intersection of digitalisation and healthcare, two essential pillars of European, national, and regional policy.
Focus on sustainability, efficiency, and patient-centricity
In both academia and industry, digital twins are used at all stages of the Research and Development (R&D) process: from the design of new medicines and devices to in-silico clinical trials and post-market analysis. Finally, digital twins are also making their way to health technology assessment agencies, payers, and policymakers, serving as a tool to compare and optimise healthcare options for patients.
With a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and patient-centricity, DigiTwin4PH will contribute to a future where digital twins become an integral part of medical decision-making and personalised healthcare.
VITO's role
VITO is involved in one of the five technical proof-of-concept projects within this initiative. In our concept, we develop pharmacogenomic (PGx) digital twins to improve drug prescribing by integrating genetic factors into the selection and dosing process.
This innovative model leads to better treatment outcomes and fewer side effects. VITO contributes expertise in the development of technology for personalised data storage, where control lies with the patient (We Are), in the development of software for PGx digital twins, efficient development of reliable medical AI (RAIDO), and technology acceptance research (REALM).
Key milestones include:
- Standardising data formats through AI
- Conducting technology acceptance research
- Expanding data storage for PGx
- Developing guidelines and ecosystem activities at the Belgian level with all involved stakeholders
Project partners
Would you like to know more?
If you would like more information about this project, please contact Simon Denil or Gökhan Ertaylan.
