Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and Genomics plc have become alliances for three years and might extend to a five-year collaboration to enhance the search for targets in precision medicines. Grave diseases with no or little treatment options are a focus of these two companies which are planning to work on the clinical effects of genetic mutations and stratification of patients. 

Vertex and Genomics researchers will come together to bring their individual expertise in human genetics and carry out studies incorporating searching and testing of targets in specific diseases.

A novel analysis engine is designed by Genomics, which studies human biology via genetics and can gauge the effectiveness and safety of new drugs. The Genomics engine comprises of 100 billion data points which make it the largest in the world. Human genetic variation is connected to more than 14 million positions in the human genome to alterations in 7,000 physiological, cellular and molecular parameters and resultants of illnesses by the engine.

“Human biology and genetics are a foundation of drug discovery at Vertex and the team at Genomics bring together a unique combination of sophisticated data science and human genetics,” said Dr. David Altshuler, Executive Vice President Global Research, and Chief Scientific Officer, Vertex. “This partnership will pioneer new uses of genomic tools and technologies to advance Vertex’s ongoing work and investment at our Oxford Research Site and globally to bring new medicines to the patients that need them.”

“Human genetics has already been shown to have a substantial impact on the success of novel drug targets. Our next generation of data and algorithms promises to be transformative, not just for target discovery but in biomarker selection and patient stratification,” commented Professor Peter Donnelly FRS, Founder, and Chief Executive Officer, Genomics plc. “We are delighted to be partnering with one of the most innovative and successful companies.”