Genos Research

Company history

Genos was spun out of Complete Genomics, a next generation sequencing company, and completed a private venture-backed financing in May 2016.^[1] The company was co-founded by Mark Blumling (former founder of Hyperion Therapeutics) and Dr. Clifford Reid (former founder and CEO of Complete Genomics).^[2] According to SNPedia, one of the major differences between Genos and other consumer genomic companies is the amount of genetic data sequenced. Genos sequences the entire exome, covering 50 million genomic loci, while other consumer offerings cover 1 million or less.^[3]

Products and services

Genos currently offers its sequencing service as a beta program available for $399. This includes:

• Whole exome sequencing, CLIA, 75x on-target coverage. The exome is defined as the protein coding regions of the genome and represents the most functional and relevant parts of the genome, including at least 80% of all known disease variants.^[4][5]
• A browsable map of a user’s genome, summaries of associated conditions and unique genetic variations.
• Ability to download raw data as a VCF file.
• Access to a network of certified genetic counselors to guide users through their data.

Users provide a saliva sample and mail the DNA kit back to Genos. Genos conducts DNA sequencing using next generation sequencing technology and returns data to the user through the Genos digital platform. Genos also supports importing pre-sequenced whole exome or whole genome data from certain institutions like the Personal Genome Project. Genos has stated that starting in late 2016, it will enable users to share data with research partners on a study-by-study basis and provide compensation to users if they choose to share.

Philosophy on data ownership

Genos maintains that users own and control their own data and that such data is never shared without consent. Genos allows users to share their data through the platform, or export their sequenced data so that they can port their data to other providers or genetic counselors.

References

1. "A collaborative effort: meet the company empowering personal sequencing | Front Line Genomics". www.frontlinegenomics.com. Retrieved 2016-10-21.
2. "Owning Your Data: The Genos Model - Bio-IT World". www.bio-itworld.com. Retrieved 2016-10-20.
3. "Genos (company) - SNPedia". www.snpedia.com. Retrieved 2016-10-21.
4. Rabbani, Bahareh; Tekin, Mustafa; Mahdieh, Nejat (2014-01-01). "The promise of whole-exome sequencing in medical genetics". Journal of Human Genetics. 59 (1): 5–15. doi:10.1038/jhg.2013.114. ISSN 1434-5161. PMID 24196381.
5. Liu, Qi; Shen, Enjian; Min, Qingjie; Li, Xueying; Wang, Xin; Li, Xianfeng; Sun, Zhong Sheng; Wu, Jinyu (2012-12-11). "Exome-assistant: a rapid and easy detection of disease-related genes and genetic variations from exome sequencing". BMC Genomics. 13: 692. doi:10.1186/1471-2164-13-692. ISSN 1471-2164. PMC 3539923. PMID 23231371.