Frelii Forms Strategic Agreement to Further Science of Genetics

In after-hours trading on Wednesday (March 20), Frelii (OTCQB:FRLI)revealed that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with multiple organizations for the purpose of exploring and enhancing the science of genetics, among other things.

The strategic agreement with Frelii includes NewPath Healthcare Solutions, Mercator BioLogic and True DNA Story and intends to “explore the full capabilities of each company to identify synergies and opportunities in order to leverage the unique skill sets of the collective.”

According to the press release, the purpose of the MOU will also be to enhance the science of genetics, markets and “potential clients’ quality of life.”

Frelii is a medical technology company primarily focused on the use of gene sequencing and artificial intelligence (AI) to determine risk and lifestyle changes. Its technology, called Navii, allows for advancements in diagnostics, healthcare, pharmacology, telehealth, insurance and personal health and wellness.

Ian Jenkins, CEO of Frelli, said in the release that the companies involved in the collaboration each have developed a variety of technologies, methods, processes and solutions that offer game-changing collaborations and innovations. He added that his company will offer its AI-based technology and be able to reap the benefits of the other three companies’ technologies and expertise.

“By working together, we will collectively continue to outpace competitors and more rapidly advance the science and real-world practicality of leveraging geneticdata for the good of humanity,” Jenkins said.

All four companies have also agreed to potentially partake in a pilot research initiative that will allow each organization to validate their technologies and “provide a means to significantly advance each other’s commercial capabilities.” Should this take place, the pilot will be finalized via a statement of work that will detail each phase of the initiative in addition to the roles each company will play.

That being said, no timeline has been provided as to when the official partnership will begin.

On Tuesday (March 19), the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that its advisory committee is working to develop “global standards for governance and oversight” when it comes to human genome editing. The organization said its committee has agreed to “work towards” developing a solid framework in this area.

“Gene editing holds incredible promise for health, but it also poses some risks, both ethically and medically,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, said in the organization’s statement.

According to WHO, the committee has indicated that a central registry on human genome editing research should be in place to “create an open and transparent database of ongoing work.”

“The committee will develop essential tools and guidance for all those working on this new technology to ensure maximum benefit and minimal risk to human health,” Dr. Soumya Swamanathan, chief scientist at WHO, said in the statement.

Between now and 2020, the committee will conduct a variety of in-person meetings and online consultations with stakeholders, including “patient groups, civil society, ethicists and social scientists,” and offer recommendations for a “comprehensive governance framework that is scalable, sustainable and appropriate at the international, regional, national and local scale.”

Following the announcement on Wednesday, shares of Frelii dipped 0.47 percent to US$2.10 at close on Thursday (March 21) from a previous close of US$2.11. The company currently has a “buy” ranking on TradingView, with 15 analysts in its favor, nine neutral and two ranking Frelii as a “sell.”

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Securities Disclosure: I, Jocelyn Aspa, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.