WuXi NextCODE, GMI, and AbbVie Form Strategic Genomics Consortium to Advance Precision Medicine

On January 9, 2017, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a globally renowned research-based biopharmaceutical company; Genome Medical Ireland (GMI), an emerging life sciences enterprise; and WuXi NextCODE (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“WuXi NextCODE”), a global leader in genomics information and precision medicine, announced the establishment of a long-term strategic alliance. The partnership aims to conduct population-scale genomic research across Ireland and develop novel therapeutic approaches for a range of severe complex diseases. The 15-year collaboration will focus on chronic conditions affecting the oncologic, neurological, and immune systems, which impact hundreds of thousands of individuals in Ireland and hundreds of millions worldwide.

Leveraging AbbVie’s existing resources in Ireland, the alliance is committed to discovering and validating new drug targets by conducting genome sequencing on 4,500 volunteer participants across Ireland, with the aim of providing improved clinical treatment strategies for various complex diseases. AbbVie will utilize the research database of Genomics Medicine Ireland to develop novel molecular biology approaches for the development of therapeutic drugs and companion diagnostics. To date, AbbVie employs more than 600 staff in Ireland and has invested over $130 million since 2013.

AbbVie is a globally renowned research-based biopharmaceutical company that was spun off from Abbott Laboratories in 2013. Biopharmaceuticals have always been AbbVie’s area of expertise, and within the alliance, AbbVie plays a significant role by leveraging its specialized capabilities. This collaborative research will focus on AbbVie’s key therapeutic areas, including oncology, neuroscience, and immunology.

If AbbVie’s alliance is the body, then Irish Genome Medicine is akin to the alliance’s engine. This company is an emerging life sciences research firm in Ireland,By advancing large-scale genomic research across the Irish population, we aim to elucidate the relationships between genetics, health, and disease, with a focus on building a high-performance disease database. Meanwhile, the company engages in extensive collaborations with clinicians, patients, academic researchers, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.Jointly Driving Innovation in Ireland’s Life Sciences Sector. This time,AbbVie will leverage the research database of Irish Genome Medicine to establish novel molecular biology approaches for the development of therapeutic drugs and companion diagnostics.

With the airframe and engine,Mingma Biotechnology(WuXi NextCODE)’s addition brings a security system to the alliance.WuXi NextCODE, formed through the integration of WuXi AppTec’s Genomics Center and Iceland-based NextCODE Health, a leader in big data analytics for precision medicine, is a global pioneer in the field of precision medicine dedicated to improving human health through the application of precision medicine big data. Leveraging a world-leading comprehensive genomics research platform, WuXi NextCODE will build a secure and scalable database of whole-genome sequences and medical data for the alliance, thereby deepening the understanding of novel diseases.

“Genomics is transforming our understanding of complex and rare diseases, and the discovery of new approaches will help better benefit patients,” said Dr. Jim Sullivan, Vice President of AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals. “This alliance is a key component of our R&D strategy and serves as an important complement to our operations in Ireland.”

Daniel Crowley, Interim CEO of Genomics Medicine Ireland, commented, “This partnership establishes the ambitious vision behind the founding of Genomics Medicine Ireland. Through our collaboration with AbbVie and WuXi NextCODE, we will fully leverage our extensive expertise in the life sciences sector and our understanding of the unique genetic characteristics of the Irish population to gain deeper insights into disease mechanisms and treatment responses. These approaches to treating and preventing diseases will benefit patients in Ireland and around the world.”

“We are very proud to be part of this groundbreaking work,” said Mr. Hannes Smarason, Chief Operating Officer of BGI Genomics. “As a global leader in genomics information and precision medicine, we are committed to applying our expertise and knowledge from population-scale precision medicine projects to this important field.”