Wuxi NextCode, a genome technology subsidiary of medical research company Wuxi PharmaTech, invested $15m in US-based genome data management company DNAnexus yesterday as part of a strategic alliance.
Founded in 2009, DNAnexus combines cloud computing and bioinformatics in a global database for genomic medicine. The partnership will enable the company’s platform to expand to China while also securing greater access to Chinese genomics technology.
Richard Daly, chief executive of DNAnexus, said: “Our customers are global in scope, and we’re teaming with Wuxi NextCode to extend the power and geographic reach of our cloud solution to support our partners’ efforts.
“China has 20% of the world’s sequencing capacity and is a pillar of cutting-edge science worldwide. The DNAnexus platform enables research, drug development and clinical diagnostic testing worldwide, and this alliance and investment allows us to expand our global network for genomic medicine.”
DNAnexus has now raised almost $47m in funding, including $15m in series B funding from Google Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of internet company Google, TPG Biotech, First Round Capital, SoftTech VC, K9 Ventures and Felicis Ventures in 2011, and $15m from Google Ventures, First Round, TPG Biotech and Claremont Creek Ventures in January 2014.