Reports + Research
Illumina Spin-out Verogen Buys GEDmatch
GEDmatch, a genealogy website, was launched from obscurity for its role in helping catch the Golden State Killer—a 40-year-old cold case. Now Verogen, a forensic genomics firm catering to law enforcement, has acquired GEDmatch. This enables Verogen to offer genealogy searches in addition to next-generation DNA testing to help identify suspects in criminal cases. According to WIRED, many questions remain “about how people’s genetic data might ensnare them in criminal investigations, when all they wanted was to learn about their family history.”
Largest Acquisition for San Diego Biotech in 2019
On Monday, Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical company, acquired local biotech, Synthorx, for $2.5 billion. The five-year old company went public almost a year ago to the date, raising $131 million in an IPO. The company was founded on early venture support from San Diego firms, Avalon Ventures and Correlation Ventures and breakthrough science. The company’s expanded genetic alphabet platform provides superb control in creating more diverse protein therapeutics. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Sanofi acquires THOR-707, a modified IL-2 with potentially better safety and efficacy, as well as Synthorx’s research programs for drugs targeting autoimmune disorders.
Entrepreneur Applications Due December 18 for San Diego Angel Conference
The goal of the San Diego Angel Conference is to connect angel investors and “fundable entrepreneurs”—and this year they are prepared to cut some big checks. In its second year, the conference is putting forward the largest amount available in San Diego for a pitch competition. Any entrepreneur or company with a product and/or a startup can apply to the San Diego Angel Conference. Applications are due Wednesday, December 18. Following submission, entrepreneurs will be guided through the process, which culminates at the conference taking place March 28, 2020.
Read + Listen
POW: Podcast of the Week
Corlis Murray of Abbott is one of the senior-most African American women leaders in the industry and is a champion for diversity and inclusion. In this PharmaVoice podcast, she discusses innovative ways to leverage the talent pipeline.
It’s Happening Here
January 11-15:
The largest ag-genomics meeting in the world, Plant and Animal Genome XXVIII (PAGXXVIII), will take place at Town and Country San Diego, January 11-15.
January 20-25:
The 19th Annual PepTalk at The Protein Science Week will take place January 20-25 in downtown San Diego.
Tags: Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Life Sciences, Medical Research
