Regeneron Offers Free Genetic Sequencing to Researchers in Exchange for Data Access

What's Happening?

Regeneron Genetics Center is providing free genetic sequencing services to academic researchers in exchange for access to the resulting data. This initiative is designed to address the funding challenges faced by researchers while simultaneously fulfilling the pharmaceutical industry's demand for large, high-quality data sets. Alison Fenney, the executive director of strategic partnerships and business operations at Regeneron Genetics Center, discussed this collaboration model at the LSX conference in Boston. The center is capable of sequencing cohorts ranging from hundreds to millions of patients. The data obtained is used internally for research and development, particularly in target identification and verification, and is also published publicly as much as possible. The initiative emphasizes the importance of data stewardship and privacy protection, and it highlights the growing field of proteomics.

Why It's Important?

This collaboration model between Regeneron and academic researchers is significant as it addresses two critical needs: the financial constraints of academic research and the pharmaceutical industry's need for comprehensive genetic data. By providing free sequencing, Regeneron facilitates research that might otherwise be hindered by budget limitations. In return, the company gains access to valuable data that can accelerate drug discovery and development processes. This partnership model could set a precedent for future collaborations between the pharmaceutical industry and academic institutions, potentially leading to faster scientific advancements and new therapeutic discoveries. The focus on data privacy and stewardship also underscores the ethical considerations necessary in handling sensitive genetic information.

What's Next?

As this collaboration model gains traction, it is likely that more pharmaceutical companies will adopt similar strategies to access large-scale genetic data. This could lead to an increase in partnerships between industry and academia, fostering a more integrated approach to research and development. Additionally, the emphasis on data privacy and stewardship may prompt the development of new standards and regulations to ensure the ethical use of genetic information. The burgeoning field of proteomics, highlighted by Fenney, may also see increased interest and investment as researchers and companies explore its potential applications in drug development.