NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Human Longevity today announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with Genentech to conduct whole genome sequencing and analysis on tens of thousands of patient samples provided by the drug developer.
Human Longevity will sequence the genomes at 30x coverage with the Illumina HiSeq X Ten machines in its genomic sequencing center, the firm said in a statement.
"We are excited to be working with Genentech so that patient samples can be analyzed according to more precise genetic categories," Human Longevity CEO Craig Venter said in a statement. "The application of our capabilities to discover new diagnostics and targeted therapies is one of the most relevant today."
Genentech Senior VP James Sabry also said that the partnership would advance the firm's drug discovery program.
All sample and patient data elements will be de-identified to protect privacy, the firms added.
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Human Longevity continues to sign deals giving it more genomes to sequence as it builds its human genotype and phenotype database. Earlier this week, the firm announced it had signed a deal to sequence genomes for the oncology testing firm Personal Genome Diagnostics. In November 2014, the firm signed a deal to gain access to the Twins UK registry and sequence samples from it.
Last week, Genentech signed a deal with 23andMe to sequence the genomes of 3,000 people in the Parkinson's disease community.