Mayo to open genomic hub to accelerate consumer adoption

The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine is collaborating with Helix to develop applications focused on educating consumers about their genetic data and health-related information.

Helix is a joint venture of Illumina, gene-sequencing technology provider, and investment firms Warburg Pincus and Sutter Hill Ventures. Helix aims to "empower consumers to discover insights into their own genomes through a vibrant ecosystem of high-quality content partners," according to a blog post on Mayo's website.

Helix will provide consumers access to genetic information by providing affordable genome sequencing and database services. Consumers will be able to send their samples, such as a cheek swab, directly to Helix where it will be sequenced and the genetic information will be stored in Helix’s database. After being sequenced, individuals will be able to manage their data and explore an open marketplace of on-demand applications to gain additional insights into the genomic data that has already been acquired, according to the post. Helix plans to begin decoding DNA in 2016.

Mayo Clinic has made a strategic investment in Helix and will provide medical analysis of genomes and consumer education for those who request it.

“Mayo Clinic wants to be the trusted partner for consumers who want to learn more about their health through genomic information,” said Keith Stewart, MB, ChB, the Carlson and Nelson Endowed Director of the Center for Individualized Medicine. “There’s a void in consumer space for trusted partners to lead the efforts to ensure people receive the right information at the right time to make informed health decisions involving genomics.”

By converting genetic information to digital data stored in the cloud, Helix enables its partners to develop and deliver premium genomic products to consumers without the burden of developing their own assay, laboratory or database infrastructure.

“Genomics is reaching an inflection point in cost, volumes and knowledge, creating a significant opportunity to unlock information that is currently not widely accessible to individuals,” said Jay Flatley, CEO of Illumina, who will serve as Chairman of the Board at Helix. “Helix and its founding investors are committed to creating a neutral platform at the highest quality standard that will work with partners to accelerate consumer adoption of genomics.”

Helix will establish one of the world’s largest next-generation sequencing labs and a secure and protected database, all designed in accordance with CLIA, CAP, and HIPAA guidelines. Individuals will be able to control how their data is accessed through a robust and granular consent process.