AGD delivered ~86,000 whole genomes in 2023,
including a unique diverse ancestry cohort
Expanded pharma engagement enhances AGD's
ability to develop multiomic datasets
SAN
DIEGO, Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina Inc.
(NASDAQ: ILMN), a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based
technologies, in collaboration with Nashville Biosciences, LLC
(NashBio), a leading clinical and genomic data company and wholly
owned subsidiary of Vanderbilt
University Medical Center (VUMC), today announced three new
members of the Alliance for Genomic Discovery (AGD).
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS),
GSK and Novo Nordisk join founding member organizations
AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, and Merck. Together the pharma
members will co-fund the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 250,000
DNA samples and have access to the resulting data for use in drug
discovery and therapeutic development.
"Together with NashBio and the now eight member organizations in
the Alliance for Genomic Discovery, we will generate and analyze
more genomic, multimodal phenotypic, and multiomic data in a
turnkey manner," said Joydeep
Goswami, chief financial officer and chief strategy and
corporate development officer of Illumina. "This rich dataset
will enable the discovery of highly actionable therapeutic targets
and improve the speed, probability of success, and efficiency of
the discovery and development process."
In 2023, AGD completed whole-genome sequencing of approximately
86,000 of the planned 250,000 DNA samples from VUMC's
BioVU® biobank, including the initial diverse ancestry
cohort of 35,000 individuals primarily of African ancestry. The AGD
members are applying innovative, large-scale analysis tools to the
WGS data to help identify disease associations and drug targets for
intervention.
"We are thrilled to welcome these latest members to AGD and to
work with all of these organizations to advance the study of the
genome and improve human health," said Leeland Ekstrom, PhD, chief executive officer of
NashBio. "With this initial phase of the alliance now well
underway, we are excited to explore possible future additions of
other multiomic data that will expand this incredible
resource."
Use of forward-looking statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including the expectation for lower costs
related to the storing and managing of genomic data costs. Among
the important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in any forward-looking statements are: (i)
challenges inherent in researching, developing and launching new
technologies; (ii) our and our partners' ability to deploy new
products, services, and applications, and to expand the markets for
genomics-related products and services; and (iii) the challenges
associated with multiparty collaborations, including our reliance
on the performance of such partners, together with other factors
detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and
10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the
date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no
obligation, and do not intend, to update these forward-looking
statements, to review or confirm analysts' expectations, or to
provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current
quarter.
About the Alliance for Genomic Discovery
Launched in 2022 by Illumina and NashBio, the Alliance for
Genomic Discovery is a multiyear endeavor aiming to accelerate
development of therapeutics through large-scale genomics and the
establishment of a preeminent clinical genomic resource. Member
companies from pharma and biopharma leverage Illumina
next-generation sequencing platforms to identify disease
associations and targets for intervention by analyzing whole-genome
sequence data derived from Vanderbilt
University Medical Center's BioVU®, an extensive,
high-quality biobank of more than 250,000 de-identified human DNA
samples and associated longitudinal, structured and de-identified
clinical data. One of the main objectives of the alliance is to
help narrow the gap in the diversity of genomic data, and
ultimately work toward a more equitable representation of
ancestries in genetic research. Learn more.
About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the
genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global
leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving
customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our
products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology,
reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To
learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us
on X
(Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok,
and YouTube.
About NashBio
Nashville Biosciences, LLC (NashBio), a wholly owned subsidiary
of Vanderbilt University Medical Center
(VUMC), was created to harness the Medical Center's extensive
genomic and bioinformatics resources for drug and diagnostics
discovery and development. Leveraging Vanderbilt University innovation, NashBio serves as
a commercial interface between outside companies and the formidable
research capabilities housed within VUMC, including
BioVU®, one of the world's most comprehensive genetic
databases linked to de-identified medical records with years of
longitudinal clinical data. This unique asset is one of the largest
and highest quality of its kind, providing an opportunity to guide
R&D activity in biotech, pharma, diagnostics, medical devices,
and other life sciences applications. For more information, please
visit nashbio.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Contacts
Investors:
Salli Schwartz
858-291-6421
IR@illumina.com
Media:
David McAlpine
347-327-1336
PR@illumina.com
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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.