Google, the US-based internet search engine, is establishing a new healthcare and wellness business named Calico, focused on aging and associated diseases.
Arthur Levinson, chairman of Roche Holding AG’s Genentech unit, chairman of Apple and a founding investor in Calico, will be chief executive officer of the new business.
Larry Page, Google chief executive officer, said in a blog: “OK … so you’re probably thinking wow! That’s a lot different from what Google does today. And you’re right. But as we explained in our first letter to shareholders, there’s tremendous potential for technology more generally to improve people’s lives. So don’t be surprised if we invest in projects that seem strange or speculative compared with our existing Internet businesses. And please remember that new investments like this are very small by comparison to our core business.
“Art and I are excited about tackling aging and illness. These issues affect us all—from the decreased mobility and mental agility that comes with age, to life-threatening diseases that exact a terrible physical and emotional toll on individuals and families. And while this is clearly a longer-term bet, we believe we can make good progress within reasonable timescales with the right goals and the right people.”