Human Longevity Secures $220 Million Series B Funding Led by Illumina to Expand Genomic and Health Data Platform

Human Longevity, headquartered in San Diego, California, recently secured $220 million in Series B financing. The company will use the funds to build a new medical research center and expand the genomic and medical databases of its existing research facilities. Investors in this round included Illumina, Celgene, and GE Ventures.

The company’s database already contains 20,000 complete genomic sequences, dedicated to helping all humanity extend lifespan in a healthy manner.

Human Longevity, founded in 2014 by genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter with a registered capital of $80 million, has analyzed the genomic sequences of more than 20,000 individuals to date. The company aims to study one million individuals by 2018.

Venter stated that the company is currently striving to enhance the genomic analysis capabilities of its research centers. “We can currently analyze 3,000 individual genome sequences per month, and we aim to process more than 10,000 samples monthly.” “Although the company has been in operation for only 19 months, we have already incorporated 20,000 complete genome sequences into our database. For each individual included in the database, the company has established explicit health and medical data records. Our project offers a new perspective on understanding human genetics and interprets genomic information to help extend healthy human lifespan.” Meanwhile, the database established by the company is expected to attract various potential clients, including researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance providers.

Not limited to whole-human-genome sequencing, the company will next launch cancer genetic testing programs.

In addition to collecting whole-genome sequences, the company also gathers genetic data on trillions of microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that inhabit the human body both internally and externally. Meanwhile, it compiles and organizes metabolomics-related data (covering various human metabolites, biochemicals, and lipids), thereby enabling a deeper understanding of circulating chemicals that influence drug efficacy.

The company’s current project is Health Nucleus, a human whole-genome sequencing initiative. As its next step, the company plans to launch a cancer genetic testing program, in which the research institute will perform whole-genome sequencing on patients to identify circulating tumor DNA. This approach makes precision medicine possible for patients. Meanwhile, Human Longevity’s research institute is working to predict individuals’ age, voice, and facial features using genetic information.

J. Craig Venter, Co-founder of Human Longevity, Inc.

Rapid Advancements in New Technologies and Declining Genomic Sequencing Costs Enable the Company to Seize Opportunities and Secure Financing

Human Longevity secured substantial funding because it was founded during a period of explosive growth in new technologies, including the sharp decline in genome sequencing costs, rapid advancements in bandwidth, and the emergence of cloud computing and machine learning—all of which facilitated the company’s development.

Human Longevity, Inc. has established strategic partnerships with the University of California, San Diego; Metabolon, a private company based in North Carolina; and the J. Craig Venter Institute, led by Dr. Venter himself. Metabolon specializes in biochemical analysis, while the Venter Institute is a non-profit genomics research organization.

“Although we encountered difficulties in fundraising during the early stages, this Series B financing round has been a tremendous boost to the company,” said Venter. “The public biotechnology stock market has experienced continuous turbulence in recent months, but this indirectly underscores the critical importance of our field—biotechnology.”