Human Longevity Explained

Human Longevity, Inc. is a San Diego-based venture launched by Craig Venter and Peter Diamandis in 2013. Its goal is to build the world's most comprehensive database on human genotypes and phenotypes, and then subject it to machine learning so that it can help develop new ways to fight diseases associated with aging.[1] The company received in investments in its Series A offering in summer 2014 and announced a further $220 million Series B investment offering in April 2016.[2] It has made deals with drug companies Celgene and AstraZeneca to collaborate in its research.

Overview

While it is conducting research, the company is offering a wellness service known as "Health Nucleus," which offers customers a range of medical tests such as a full genome sequencing and tests for early indications of cancers, Alzheimer's and heart disease.[3] This testing is meant to help people catch diseases earlier than otherwise possible and to identify risk factors for diseases later in life.[4]

At the start of 2017, the company hired Cynthia Collins from GE Healthcare, and Venter became Executive Chair. The company's chief operating officer, Mark Winham, left the company in mid-2017, and Collins and the company's chief medical officer, Brad Perkins, left in December. Venter stepped back into the CEO role, but announced in May 2018 that he was leaving the company to return to the J. Craig Venter Institute.[5] Venter was sued for allegedly 'stealing trade secrets' at Human Longevity.[6] The case has been dismissed.[7]

In November 2019, Human Longevity closed $30 million financing from Emerging Technology Partners (ETP) and other leading healthcare investors to renew its commitment to longevity and precision health.[8]

In November 2019, C. Thomas Caskey, professor of molecular & human genetics at the Baylor College of Medicine, joined the company as Chief Medical Officer.[9]

In January 2020, Human Longevity published a study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) that showed that by integrating whole-genome sequencing with advanced imaging and blood metabolites, clinicians identified adults at risk for key health conditions.[10]

In June 2020, Human Longevity launched a proprietary program called 100+ longevity program. The program claims to combine the most advanced technologies with a dedicated medical team to help people achieve their healthiest and longest life.[11]

In June 2022, Human Longevity announced an initial public offering through a SPAC, with a valuation of $1 billion.[12]

See also

Notes and References

  1. 'Supercharged' genomics: 100 years of breakthroughs possible in 10 years (Wired UK) . Wired.co.uk . July 8, 2015.
  2. Web site: Human Longevity, Inc. Completes $220 Million Series B Financing – Human Longevity, Inc.. www.humanlongevity.com. 2016-08-17. 2018-03-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20180325045918/https://www.humanlongevity.com/human-longevity-inc-completes-220-million-series-b-financing/. dead.
  3. News: Adding ages. The Economist. 0013-0613. 2016-08-17.
  4. Web site: Biotech says longer life is in your DNA. Ferris. Robert. 2016-07-19. CNBC. 2016-08-17.
  5. News: Taylor . Nick Paul . Venter to leave Human Longevity as turnover at the top continues . FierceBiotech . May 30, 2018 . en.
  6. Web site: Genomics Company Human Longevity Sues J. Craig Venter Institute. The Scientist Magazine®.
  7. Web site: Human Longevity Suit Against JCVI Dismissed. GenomeWeb. 20 December 2018 .
  8. Web site: November 6, 2019 . Human Longevity Closes $30 Million Financing From Emerging Technology Partners and Other Leading Healthcare Investors to Renew Its Commitment to Longevity and Precision Health . 2024-05-14 . BioSpace . en-US.
  9. Web site: World Expert in Genetics Joins Human Longevity as Chief Medical Officer . Business Wire . 13 November 2019.
  10. Hou . Ying-Chen Claire . Yu . Hung-Chun . Martin . Rick . Cirulli . Elizabeth T. . Schenker-Ahmed . Natalie M. . Hicks . Michael . Cohen . Isaac V. . Jönsson . Thomas J. . Heister . Robyn . Napier . Lori . Swisher . Christine Leon . 2020-02-11 . Precision medicine integrating whole-genome sequencing, comprehensive metabolomics, and advanced imaging . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . en . 117 . 6 . 3053–3062 . 10.1073/pnas.1909378117 . 0027-8424 . 7022190 . 31980526. 2020PNAS..117.3053H . free .
  11. Web site: How to Live to 100 With Great Quality of Life . Levin . Michael . 2023-01-12 . Worth . Worth . 2024-01-05.
  12. Web site: Leo . Leroy . Human Longevity plans to go public in $1 bln blank-check deal . Reuters . 6 January 2024 . 20 June 2022.