Helix (genomics company)

Last updated
Helix
TypePrivately held company
IndustryGenomics
FoundedJuly 15, 2015
FoundersScott Burke, Justin Kao, James Lu
Headquarters,
United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Marc Stapley (CEO)
Products Genomic testing
Number of employees
150-200
Website www.helix.com

Helix is an American population genomics company.

History

Helix focuses on personal genomics and citizen science. [1] [2] Helix has a marketplace that offers applications created by approved partners. Helix handles sample collection, DNA sequencing, and secure data storage and partners develop on-demand products. Helix is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and operates a sequencing laboratory in San Diego. [3]

Contents

In 2016, Helix partnered with the National Geographic Society to sequence DNA for the Genographic Project. [4] [5]

In 2018, Helix partnered with the Desert Research Institute and Renown Institute of Health Innovation in support of the Healthy Nevada project, which offers free access to genomic sequencing to 40,000 residents of northern Nevada for health research. [6] [7] [8]

Sequencing methodology

Helix uses NGS to sequence a proprietary assay called Exome+, a version of Exome sequencing which according to the company provides 100 times more data than was previously available. [9] Exome+ includes all 22,000 protein-coding genes as well as additional regions known to be of interest. [10] All samples are processed in Helix’s CLIA- and CAP-accredited [11] sequencing lab powered by Illumina NGS technology, using the Exome+ assay. [12]

See also

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References

  1. "A DNA-testing startup just launched an 'app store' for genetics". Business Insider. Retrieved 2018-01-22.
  2. "Helix raises $200 million to grow genomics testing marketplace". MobiHealthNews. 2018-03-01. Retrieved 2018-03-21.
  3. "Helix Appoints Former Under Armour Chief Digital Officer and Co-Founder and CEO of MapMyFitness Robin Thurston as Chief Executive Officer" . Retrieved 2018-01-22.
  4. Geno 2.0 Next Generation National Geographic. June 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  5. Helix DNA Sequencing and Geno 2.0 Helix. January 26, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  6. "Helix To Help Expand Healthy Nevada Project - Healthy Nevada". Healthy Nevada. 2018-01-09. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  7. "Genetic data sought from 40,000 more Nevadans in phase 2 of Renown, DRI program" . Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  8. "Nevada Project Expands Enrollment, Research Into Genetic Health Risks". GenomeWeb. Retrieved 2018-03-21.
  9. "The Science Behind the Genographic Project - National Geographic". Genographic Project. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  10. "Helix's Bold Plan to Be Your One Stop Personal Genomics Shop". WIRED. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  11. "Helix CLIA-Certified DNA Sequencing Laboratory Receives College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation" . Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  12. "Whole Exome Sequencing | Detect exonic variants". www.illumina.com. Retrieved 2018-01-23.