The British biotech sector should seize the “global commercial opportunity” offered by genomics, drug industry leaders urged, as a report from the country’s chief medical officer called for more people to get their DNA tested to aid in the hunt for effective treatments for diseases.

Dame Sally Davies’ report ‘Generation Genome’ said policymakers and businesses should look to transform what she described as Britain’s “cottage industry” in genomics into a world-leading player.

DNA testing from a small sample of blood or saliva can help doctors identify illnesses and specific genetic mutations that can play a big role in the success of treatments. Dame Sally said all cancer patients should get their DNA sequenced.

Drugs industry leaders told The Daily Telegraph that the UK – which led the world in DNA sequencing in the 1950s through the work of pioneering scientists including Frederick Sanger – is still a leading player in the field.