NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Genomic data firm Global Gene has partnered with the Regeneron Genetics Center (RGC) to sequence Indian populations in order to uncover the role of genetic variation in human biology and disease.
According to Global Gene, the partners will sequence the exomes of people from the Indian subcontinent in order to gain insights into allelic architecture and certain undisclosed diseases. Data generated under the alliance will also be paired with de-identified medical records from volunteers.
Additional terms were not disclosed.
"We are working to solve the problem of genomic data bias where 81 percent of genomics data comes from Caucasian populations of European ancestry," Global Gene Chairman and CEO Sumit Jamuar said in a statement. "India with 1.3 billion people represents 20 percent of the world's population, yet [its] population contributes less than 1 percent of genomic data and insights."
Late last year, Global Gene began collaborating with Ohio State University to study rare cancers in South Asian and Indian populations.
RGC is a subsidiary of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals founded in 2014 to use genomic analysis to improve drug development and patient care through partnerships with academic, government, and integrated medical systems. Earlier this year, RGC formed an alliance with Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis to sequence the exomes of MS patients.