Commercial agreement with Congenica supports UniteGen’s goal of achieving the world’s largest human genome database
Cambridge, UK - 21 June 2017 - Congenica’s Sapientia™ clinical genome analysis software platform will be used by China-based UniteGen to carry out whole genome sequencing (WGS) processing and analysis as part of China’s “100K Wellness Pioneer Project”, hosted by Beijing 4P Health Research Institute.
The China-wide initiative aims to analyze and understand the genomes, metabolomes, proteomes, and clinical symptoms of 100,000 Chinese individuals with the goal of improving disease prevention and promoting overall healthcare management. It was announced during the Fourth 301 Health Forum 2017 and Sixth National Checkup Centre Director Summit and PLA Health Management Committee Annual Conference, in May, organized by PLA General Hospital, Chinese Health Management Association and PLA Health Management Professional Committee (see full statement via link below).
Use of Sapientia is part of a strategic commercial agreement with Congenica to support UniteGen’s operations in China, announced earlier this year. Under the agreement, UniteGen will be processing and analyzing all of the sequencing data generated during the project.
Weike Mo, founder and CEO of UniteGen has commented that “Partnering with Congenica, a highly-regarded global leader for genomic data analysis and clinical interpretation, is a significant milestone for UniteGen. Sapientia incorporates all the features needed by Chinese healthcare practitioners to integrate genetic testing into clinical decisions. The automated reporting software solves a critical bottleneck for the genetic testing industry in China.”
Shikha O’Brien, Chief Business Officer at Congenica said: “Genomic technology will be central to the next generation healthcare system that is evolving rapidly in China and we are delighted to be working with UniteGen and the “100K Wellness Pioneer Project”, both at the forefront of that change and committed to the benefits it will bring to patients” China’s “100K Wellness Pioneer Project” is the second major national genomics project where Sapientia has played a key role. Genomics England has been using Sapientia over the past two years as the WGS Clinical Interpretation platform for its 100K Genomes project, which aims to sequence and analyze the genomes of NHS patients with rare diseases as well as their families, and patients with cancer. WGS analysis enables rapid diagnosis of rare disease, ensuring that an appropriate course of management and treatment can be administered to patients in as little as a few days.
For a translation of the original press release issued by UniteGen on 7 May, 2017 with more details about the 4P project, see: https://www.congenica.com/2017/06/21/beijing-4p-health-research-institute
Notes To Editors
About Congenica:
Congenica is a world-leading developer of genome-based discovery and diagnostic technologies, and has developed the Sapientia genome analysis technology platform that facilitates clinical and R&D decision-making worldwide. A private company, Congenica is backed by leading life science investors including Cambridge Innovation Capital, Amadeus Capital Partners, Parkwalk Advisors, a member firm of IP Group plc, BGI Genomics, Healthlink Capital and Future Planet Capital. Find out more about Congenica at http://www.congenica.com or follow @Congenica.
About Sapientia™:
Sapientia is a clinical genome analysis software platform that analyzes genome-scale DNA data to produce a comprehensive diagnostic report that can be linked to patients’ symptoms, supporting clinical decision-making about rare genetic disease. The platform is based on pioneering research from the UK’s Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, NHS clinicians and regional genetic testing laboratories, and its underlying technology has been validated by leading independent institutes and clinicians, including Genomics England Ltd. Sapientia is also being used in the advancement of personalized medicine by the global pharmaceutical industry to create disease registries, identify patient populations for clinical studies, and support the discovery of novel drug targets and biomarkers.
About UniteGen:
Unitegen is a molecular diagnosis company focusing on precision health services headquartered in Beijing with diagnostic laboratory in Chongqing, China. Founded in 2015, Unitegen team brings experience of R&D, operation, marketing, and sales from health care industry. With investment from Grandhope, a public traded company in China, Unitegen has developed proprietary products covering precision health, precision medicine, and contract research services. www.unitegen.com
About Beijing 4P Research Institute:
Beijing 4P Health Research Institute is a national non-profit social organization that was initiated by the China Health Promotion Foundation, the National Center for Nanoscience Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Radix Healthcare Technology and Nanopep Biotech Corporation, Beijing. Dr. Leroy Hood, an Academician of the Academy of Sciences, Academy of Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Science and Art and Mr. Bai Shuzhon, a former Minister of Health of the General Logistics Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and Chairman of the China Health Promotion Foundation, were appointed honorary Deans of the Institute. Mr. Hu Zhiyuan has been appointed as Dean of the Institute, and is a fellow of National Center for Nanoscience, as well as CEO of Nanopep Biotech Corporation, Beijing.
