J. Craig Venter’s Human Longevity Inc. is partnering with Discovery to offer genomic sequencing to consumers for $250. The initiative aims to decode the exome of individuals, enabling insights into health risks. Venter’s goal is to compile a million genomes, contributing to personalized medicine. The company will also open a health facility providing comprehensive genetic assessments.
J. Craig Venter, known for his contributions to genomics, plans to sequence medically relevant genes for consumers at a cost of $250 through his startup, Human Longevity Inc. (HLI). This initiative follows a partnership with Discovery, a South African health insurer, to analyze its clients’ genomes and provide health reports. Venter’s lab aims to catalog one million genomes within four years, establishing a comprehensive database of genetic and medical data.
Discovery’s CEO, Jonathan Broomberg, emphasizes the service’s integration into a wellness program, with half the sequencing cost covered by the insurer. The resulting exome data, about 2% of the genome, includes vital genetic risk factors for diseases like cancer. Broomberg hopes to enroll around 100,000 clients despite potential fears about genetic information.
The overarching goal of Venter’s project is to deepen understanding of genetic influences on health, marking a significant advance in personalized medicine. Venter believes the human genome holds vast untapped information that can illuminate the connections between genetic variations and health risks. His team will utilize advanced machine-learning techniques to analyze the correlations between genetic data and observable traits.
In October, HLI plans to launch a “health nucleus” offering comprehensive genetic analyses for self-insured executives and athletes at approximately $25,000 per service. This facility will provide detailed genome sequencing, microbiome analysis, and advanced imaging services. Customers will also be integrated into the growing genetic database, benefiting from ongoing medical discoveries.
While Venter’s scientific credibility is well-established, concerns arise regarding his experience in patient care. Experts urge caution, stressing the need for HLI’s practices to be both scientifically and medically sound. Venter’s previous ventures in genomic sequencing have raised questions about the financial viability of his latest plan, particularly in sustaining a billion-dollar initiative to sequence a million genomes.
Venter also envisions expanding HLI’s offerings to include genetic screening for expectant parents and newborns, potentially intensifying competition in the genetic testing market. He emphasizes that the primary goal is to create a vast database to enhance genetic interpretation and insights into human health over the coming years.
Venter’s initiative represents a significant shift towards making genetic information accessible to consumers, aiming to revolutionize personalized medicine. By forming partnerships with health insurers and developing extensive databases, Venter hopes to uncover crucial links between genetics and health risks. However, the economic sustainability and medical application of this venture raise important questions as it moves forward.
Original Source: www.technologyreview.com
