NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Consumer genomics firm Genos has raised $6 million from NantOmics, a subsidiary of NantWorks.
The San Francisco-based firm, which is still in its beta phase, performs whole-exome sequencing at 75x coverage for consumers interested in sharing their genomic data with researchers. The firm plans for its customers to be able to license their personal data to pharmaceutical and biotech companies for a small fee.
"Genos is not a sequencing company, but mapping the genetic blueprint is a critical first step in our broader goals of empowering individual discovery and breaking down the barriers to vital public health research," Genos Co-founder and CEO Mark Blumling said in a statement.
Genos, founded by Blumling and fellow former Complete Genomics executive Cliff Reid, launched earlier this year. The firm announced that researchers George Church of Harvard University and Dietrich Stephan of the University of Pittsburgh have joined its advisory board. Also advising on strategy will be internet entrepreneur Chris Tsakalakis, Stanford economics professor Alvin Roth, and former Uber executive Mina Radhakrishan.
"At Genos, we are tackling big questions around the consumer genomics movement, including consent and ownership of genetic data," said Blumling in a statement. "Our strategic advisors all bring unparalleled expertise in their areas of focus, which will be critical as we build a platform to accelerate personal genetic discovery and research tied to health, wellness and disease."