WuXi NextCODE Invests $400M to Expand Precision Medicine Efforts in Ireland

WuXi NextCODE, a life sciences informatics company, has unveiled its plan to create in Ireland a dataset for genome-driven drug discovery and create a model for delivering the benefits of precision medicine. Leading the effort will be its long-time partner, Genomics Medicine Ireland (GMI), which has become the company’s Irish subsidiary and hub of its European business. The GMI acquisition forms part of a $400 million investment program in precision medicine unveiled in Dublin.
 
GMI aims to enroll approximately 10% of the Irish population to have the entire sequence of their genome read and to contribute detailed medical and health data, particularly on diseases that they suffer from and for which there is a need for better treatment. According to the company, the depth of this data, combined with Ireland’s relative genetic homogeneity, will create opportunities for pharmaceutical and biotech companies to discover and develop new medicine in Ireland
 
As this effort will be developed in tandem with the healthcare system, Irish patients will be able to benefit directly from risk screening and diagnostic tests as they are developed, and will be able to participate in clinical trials for new treatments developed in Ireland. 
 
“Our mission is to improve lives through genomics, and through this effort and others around the globe we are building an unrivaled resource for delivering on that mission,” said Rob Brainin, chief executive officer, WuXi NextCODE. “We are responding to a challenge from pharmaceutical companies, healthcare systems and patients around the world: to turn the advances in genomics we all hear about into better health and medicine faster, and for everyone; and then to bring that information to help people get differentiated clinical care based on their own personal biology. That vision requires high-quality population-scale data and the resources and know-how to generate and use it; a relationship with forward-thinking and supportive public and healthcare institutions; and a data platform that enables integration into clinical care. Between WuXi NextCODE, GMI, and the citizens, doctors, scientists and institutions of Ireland I believe we have a truly unique collection of will, talent and resources to pioneer the realization of precision medicine.”
 
Anne Jones, chief executive officer, GMI, said, “I am thrilled to be joining GMI and to take part in seizing the opportunity for Ireland to lead in one of the most innovative areas in global healthcare. We have a long tradition of manufacturing drugs in Ireland, but today we will move into the discovery and development of cutting edge medicine right here. We have an incredible opportunity to advance our own healthcare and economy and create a new model of medicine that can benefit patients and improve health all over the world. I am also personally excited that this study will enable the advancement of treatments for not just common diseases but also of those rare and often as yet diagnosed diseases where today there is often little optimism. This is the big opportunity of having a powerful national genome project with global resources and connections. I look forward to working with patients and doctors all over the country to build this effort into a great success for Ireland and a model for others.”