Jump to content

Draft:Genomics (company)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Draft:Genomics PLC)


Genomics Ltd
Company typePrivate
IndustryBiotechnology, Genomics
Founded2014
FoundersPeter Donnelly, Gil McVean, Gerton Lunter, Chris Spencer
Key people
Sir Peter Donnelly (CEO) (2025)
David Thornton (President)
ProductsPolygenic risk scoring, Target discovery
Websitewww.genomics.com

Genomics (legally Genomics Ltd, formerly known as Genomics plc) is a British biotechnology company founded in 2014 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford.[1][2] It develops genomic analytics tools for disease risk prediction and drug discovery. Sir Peter Donnelly, co-founder and Emeritus Professor of Statistical Science at Oxford, has served as its Chief Executive Officer since its founding.[3]

History

[edit]

Genomics was established in 2014. In 2018, the company raised £25 million, including a £10.5 million investment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and launched a three- to five-year drug target discovery collaboration.[4] This partnership was extended in 2024.[5] In early 2024, the company raised a further £35 million, with the round led by F-Prime Capital and Foresite Capital.[1]

Technology

[edit]

The company develops and operates a proprietary database that connects genetic variants at over 14 million genome positions with clinical traits and outcomes.[3] Using machine learning, it generates polygenic risk scores (PRS) to estimate individuals’ genetic susceptibility to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Proponents of PRS suggest they may support precision health by identifying individuals who could benefit from early screening or intervention, and assist pharmaceutical research by improving genetic target validation.[6] However, some scientists and doctors have cautioned against the premature implementation of PRS-based screening, warning that it may cause unnecessary anxiety in those labelled high risk and false reassurance in those classified as low risk.[7]

Partnerships

[edit]

Genomics maintains a longstanding research partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals,[4] focused on integrating human genetics and data science into drug discovery. In public health, it collaborates with Our Future Health to apply PRS at scale, and with UK Biobank to develop and validate them using its genomic data.[1][8] The company also works with insurers such as MassMutual,[9] and pharmaceutical firms including GSK to integrate genetic risk tools into clinical trials.[10]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Kuchler, Hannah (2024-01-08). "UK start-up Genomics raises £35mn for advanced genetic testing". Financial Times. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  2. ^ Tobin, Lucy (2025-04-24). "Genomics and HIVED: scaling against the odds". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  3. ^ a b Tyler, Richard (2025-03-10). "Is it time for the NHS to embrace the genetics revolution?". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  4. ^ a b Bradshaw, Julia (2018-08-30). "Genomics raises £25m as it announces deal with US pharma giant". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  5. ^ "Genomics plc Extends Partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals". PharmExec. 2024-07-19. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  6. ^ Peel, Michael (2024-11-13). "Gene screening can cut early disease deaths by 25%, study shows". Financial Times. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  7. ^ "We must not rush to implement new genetic screening programmes, experts warn". www.icr.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  8. ^ Cookson, Clive (2022-12-30). "UK to embark on groundbreaking new genomics projects". Financial Times. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  9. ^ "MassMutual embraces behavioral insurance with new program". Insurance News | InsuranceNewsNet. 2023-10-26. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  10. ^ Floersh, Helen (2024-04-30). "GSK and Genomics PLC collab on genetics in clinical trial design". www.fiercebiotech.com. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Genomics_(company)&oldid=1301904952"