Genomics plc Extends Partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals

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Genomics will continue to collaborate with Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated for an additional three years.¹ The two companies are working together to utilize machine learning for researching the human genome in order to develop new and improve existing precision medicines. The two companies began working together in 2018.

In a press release, Vertex senior vice president and head of global research Mark Bunnage said, “Vertex's leading-edge discovery teams and R&D capabilities, and Genomics' world class scientists, are at the forefront of using insights into human genetics to identify the most promising targets and advance them into medicines for patients. This collaboration has been valuable and productive, and we're excited to continue and expand our transformative work right across the drug development pathway."

In the same press release, Genomics CEO and founder Professor Sir Peter Donnelly FRS said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Vertex once again. Our unique genomic data platform has meant that together, we have discovered novel genetically-validated targets with the potential to address diseases of high unmet medical need. Vertex is rightly recognized for its innovative pipeline and track record in developing treatments for serious diseases, which benefit the patients, families, and healthcare systems coping with these often life-threatening conditions. We are delighted to continue working with them to drive precision medicine approaches where treatments are tailored and delivered to those most likely to benefit."

In April, Genomics plc also announced that it was launching a new collaborationg with GSK to research the use of polygenic test scores for use in patient selection in clinical trials, among other uses.²

In a press release issued at the time, Donnelly said, “We could not be more excited to be collaborating with GSK on this program. PRS-based approaches have the potential to support clinical trial design. Using PRS to get the right people into studies could have a potential positive impact, including in the reduction of trial size and timescale, leading to efficiencies in drug development."

Robert Scott, vice president of human genetics and genomics at GSK added, "Genomics plc is leading in both the development and real-world application of PRS-based approaches, opening up new frontiers in genomic medicine. At GSK, we have demonstrated the opportunity for genetics to guide drug discovery and development; I look forward to working with Genomics plc to further explore the potential for PRS to support clinical trial design."

Genomics plc is also working to better incorporate genomic research and knowledge into the health insurance industry. In April, the company announced that it was expanding its partnership with Mass Mutual to improve policy owners’ ability to utilize genomic research to make more informed health decisions.³

In a press release, Donnelly said, “While the study of genomics is not new, it now provides an enormous opportunity to help individuals live their longest, healthiest lives. By giving individuals and their doctors much more precise information about the particular health risks they face, they can take the right actions, at the right time, to help prevent disease entirely, or to catch it early when outcomes are much better. As a leader in insurance, MassMutual is one of the first to understand the untapped value genomics brings in making proactive and preventative health choices. We're thrilled to work alongside a partner aligned with our mission of transforming health and making this technology more widely available."

Sources

1. Genomics plc Announces New Extension and Expansion of Drug Discovery Collaboration with Vertex. Genomics plc. July 16, 2024. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genomics-plc-announces-new-extension-and-expansion-of-drug-discovery-collaboration-with-vertex-302195072.html
2. Genomics plc and GSK Establish Precision Medicine Collaboration to Assess Polygenic Risk Scores in Clinical Trial Design. Genomics plc. April 30, 2024. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genomics-plc-and-gsk-establish-precision-medicine-collaboration-to-assess-polygenic-risk-scores-in-clinical-trial-design-302131676.html
3. Genomics plc and MassMutual’s Program Enables More Policyowners to Understand Health Risks Through Innovative Genetic Testing. Genomics plc. April 9, 2024. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genomics-plc-and-massmutuals-program-enables-more-policyowners-to-understand-health-risks-through-innovative-genetic-testing-302110697.html