Human Longevity Partners with South African Insurance Company

J. Craig Venter made a name for himself when he raced the US government to become the first person to sequence a human genome. Today, he is making such genetic information accessible to the masses.
Venter’s company, Human Longevity (HLI), is only 18 months old, and yet it is already being marketed as the world’s largest DNA-sequencing lab. In an effort to move toward its goal of creating a gigantic database of genetic information, HLI has partnered with Discovery Health, a South African insurance company, to provide affordable exome analysis for consumers.

What is an exome?

The MIT Technology Review explains that an exome is about 2 percent of a human genome. However, it includes nearly all genes, including major cancer risk factors and susceptibility factors. The benefits of exome analysis are enormous, as it allows individuals to mitigate genetic risks in a meaningful way.

Important partnership

Both HLI and Discovery Health hope to see exome analysis catch on. As Jonathan Broomberg, chief executive of Discovery Health, told the MIT Technology Review, “I hope that we get a real breakthrough in the field of personalized wellness. My fear would be that people are afraid of this and don’t want the information—or that even at this price point, it’s still too expensive. But we’re optimistic.”
Exome testing will be offered as part of a wellness program, with the insurance company covering half the test’s $250 cost. Broomberg hopes that upwards of 100,000 people will take the test in the coming years.
In terms of how the partnership will benefit HLI, it will help the company build the world’s largest database of human genetic and medical information. Venter believes that there is still much to be learned from the human genome, and this project will help uncover the mysteries of human genetics. As per the terms of this partnership, HLI will keep a de-identified copy of each exome analysis, along with relevant health and DNA information.

Future development

This partnership could mark an important turning point for HLI. Venter is committed to unpacking the details of the human genome, and the relationship between HLI and Discovery Health will help his company make progress towards this goal at an unprecedented rate.
With that in mind, investors interested in longevity investing and genetics investing should watch HLI. Although it is a privately held startup that is still seeking venture capital, Venter is a key player in both of those niche sectors. And although there are few certainties in investing, one thing is for sure: HLI is boldly looking towards the future of these industries in a radical way.
 
Securities Disclosure: I, Morag McGreevey, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.