GENE Consortium appoints Analysis Partner

Genomics plc has joined the Genomics England Genomics Expert Network for Enterprises (GENE) Consortium as an Analysis Partner to help uncover the relationships between genetic variation and human disease. 

Genomics England is delivering the UK 100,000 Genomes Project – whole genome sequencing rare disease and cancer patients in the National Health Service. Set up in 2015, the GENE consortium, includes major pharmaceutical companies such as Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Biogen, GSK, Roche, Takeda and UCB. With a focus on patients with rare diseases and cancers, over 13,000 genomes have already been sequenced and within its secure IT infrastructure, de-identified data are being made available to Consortium participants to accelerate the development of new diagnostics and treatments for patients.

Since its formation in early 2014, Genomics plc has been building a powerful platform offering the tools to gain novel biological insights into the rich source of phenotypic data such as provided by Genomics England’s genetic information, which is increasingly linked to electronic medical records. It is also collaborating with major pharmaceutical companies including Biogen, Eisai, Merck and Vertex, as it applies its integrated platform across all areas of pharmaceutical R&D.

John Colenutt, CEO, Genomics plc, said: “We are excited to be working with Genomics England on the world-leading 100,000 Genomes Project. The use of human genetic data is increasingly recognised as a mechanism to transform productivity within the pharmaceutical and diagnostic research and development industry and we look forward to working with the GENE Consortium, its members and others within the sector to improve human health and reduce healthcare’s economic burden.”

Sir John Chisholm, Executive Chair, Genomics England, said: “The potential for genomics to transform healthcare, from better diagnoses to new drugs and treatments, is extraordinary and we are delighted to work with Genomics plc, a proven leader in the field of genomic analysis, to maximise the value of the 100,000 Genomes Project for patients.”