GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and 23andMe yesterday unveiled an exclusive four-year collaboration that will focus on research and development of innovative new medicines and potential cures, using human genetics as the basis for discovery.
Home DNA test results from the more than five million customers of 23andMe will now be used by drug giant GSK to design new drugs.
The collaboration will combine 23andMe’s large-scale genetic resources and advanced data science skills, with the scientific and medical knowledge and commercialisation expertise of GSK. The goal of the collaboration is to gather insights and discover novel drug targets driving disease progression and develop therapies for serious unmet medical needs based on those discoveries.
GSK will make a $300 million investment in 23andMe, and the companies will split costs and profits equally.
23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki wrote in a blog post, “By working with GSK, we believe we will accelerate the development of breakthroughs.”
Privacy
23andMe customers will remain in control of their data. Participating in 23andMe’s research is always voluntary and requires customers to affirmatively consent to participate. For those who do consent, their information will be de-identified, so no individual will be identifiable to GSK.

Anne Wojcicki, CEO and co-founder, 23andMe. Photo: 23andMe.
Ms. Wojcicki wrote, “As always, if our customers do not want to participate in research, they can choose to opt out at any time.”
In a news release, the companies said, “The continued protection of customers’ data and privacy is the highest priority for both GSK and 23andMe. Both companies have stringent security protections in place when it comes to collecting, storing and transferring information about research participants. 23andMe employs software, hardware and physical security measures to protect the computers where data is stored and information will only be transferred using encryption to offer maximum security.”