Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

GSK Teams Up With 23andMe to Develop Drugs

GlaxoSmithKline has signed an agreement with home DNA test company 23andMe to collaborate on drug development.

23andMe Genetic Test / Image: 23andMe
23andMe Genetic Test / Image: 23andMe

23andMe dominates the home genetic testing market, providing users anecdotal information about their ancestry and DNA makeup. A recent NBC News article reported that the company has just inked a deal with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline to share their data in the name of research. 23andMe users can opt in to have their genetic data used in the field of active drug discovery research.

The $300 million, four-year deal gives GSK exclusive rights to collaborate with 23andMe to develop drugs. The first project will focus on drugs for treating Parkinson’s disease, the LRRK2 gene that is mutated in some Parkinson’s patients. The deal is the brainchild of the two companies’ chief scientific officers who previously worked together at Genentech.

GSK’s Hal Barron noted, “When you get a genetically validated target and you pursue it, it’s twice as likely to end up being a medicine.”

Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability
The road ahead for CPGs in 2025 and beyond—<i>Packaging World</i> editors review key findings from a survey of 88 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG readers.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce