GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and 23andMe, a Mountain View, California-headquartered personal genomics and biotechnology company, have partnered for an exclusive four-year pact that will focus on research and development of new medicines using human genetics as the basis for discovery.

The collaboration will combine 23andMe’s genetic resources and data science skills, with the scientific and medical knowledge and commercialization experience of GSK. The goal of the collaboration is to gather insights and discover drug targets driving disease progression and develop therapies based on those discoveries.

23andMe provides personal genetic profiles. 23andMe customers can also choose to participate in research and contribute their information to a database, a genetic and phenotypic resource. The company has over 5 million customers.

GSK brings drug- discovery and development capabilities across a range of diseases and modalities, including small molecule, biopharmaceuticals, and cell and gene therapies. It will apply its technologies, including access to additional data sources, in-house target validation and genetics expertise, and use its manufacturing, commercial operations, and scale to support partner activities across research and development.

Source: GlaxoSmithKline