January 15, 2015
By Krystle Vermes, BioSpace.com Breaking News Staff
Health information technology company Human Longevity Inc. , announced on Jan. 14 that it has entered a multi-year agreement with Genentech to conduct whole genome sequencing. Genentech, a member of the Roche , will provide thousands of de-identified samples to the company, founded by genome pioneer J. Craig Venter. The financial terms of the deal have not been discussed.
“We are excited to be working with Genentech so that patient samples can be analyzed according to more precise genetic categories,” said Venter, chief executive and co-founder of Health Longevity. “At HLI we have built unprecedented capabilities for whole genome sequencing and interpretation to enable a wide array of advances in health care. The application of our capabilities to discover new diagnostics and targeted therapies is one of the most relevant today.”
Health Longevity is dedicated to creating a comprehensive integrated human genotype and phenotype database. The company has developed the largest human genome sequencing center in the world.
“Genentech‘s goal is to harness the power of widespread whole genome sequencing to identify new therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers,” said James Sabry, senior vice president and global head of Genentech partnering. “We are pleased to join forces with HLI and leverage their expertise in DNA sequencing and analysis along with scientific expertise to accelerate our drug discovery efforts and ultimately bring to market promising new therapies for patients with serious medical conditions.”
However, Health Longevity has entered more recent agreements that target specific areas of medical research, including cancer.
Genomics and Cancer
On Jan. 12, Health Longevity announced a deal with Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc., which allows the company to utilize a new suite of cancer solutions. As a part of the agreement, Health Longevity will perform sequencing and analysis for certain PGDx customers.
“Having access to PGDx’s capabilities, targeted cancer panels and Enterprise Solution platform for advanced cancer genomic testing is another important component to our already comprehensive and accurate database of human biological data,” said Venter, at the time of the announcement. “We are excited to be partnering with PGDx and the extensive cancer genomics expertise and technology innovations developed by the world-class research team at PGDx.”
PGDx offers advanced cancer genome analysis to oncology researchers and drug developers. Its methods help to identify and characterize unique genomic alterations in tumors.
“As pioneers in the field of cancer genomics, we are delighted to be collaborating with HLI, a visionary company co-founded by genomics legend J. Craig Venter,” said PGDx Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer Luis Diaz.
