3. Just a few of
the UK
team...
3The Cambridge Phenomenon
Conference, Oct 5, 2010
4. SG Cowen
Investment bankers
New York
Solexa,
Little Chesterford
Essex
Financing
In 2005, once Solexa became a US
Nasdaq-listed company, it raised $97.5M
in 8 months.
4The Cambridge Phenomenon
Conference, Oct 5, 2010
7. ...said Mr. West..."By sequencing a family of at least four we
can ... interpret compound heterozygote variations in genes -
those cases where multiple variations in a single gene, but on
opposing chromosome copies, combine as a virtual
homozygote. I expect that these are much more prevalent, and
the source of much more phenotypic variability, than previously
understood. Working with medical geneticists, we look forward
to exploring this new visibility into factors influencing our future
health."
7The Cambridge Phenomenon
Conference, Oct 5, 2010
8. The Cambridge Phenomenon
Conference, Oct 5, 2010
8
3.5 M SNPs (350k novel)
9,707 non-synonymoous
SNPs per HPGP
2,428 trait-associated loci per
HPGP report (1,716 unique)
GET-
Evidence
(28)
OMIM
(99)
HuGENet
GWAS
(1,133)
SNPedia
(326)
HGMD
(282)
Pharm
GKB (28)
Other
Hypotheses
(532)
Genome Analysis Summary
to Date
John West
9/30/2010
2 loci in same drug metabolism
gene re Nexium:
Slow metaboliser
Ultra Fast Metabolizer
Also compound heterozygocity
Factor 5
Leiden &
Compound
heterozygocity
Associated trait
description includes
“diabetes” (95)
Type 1
(48)
Type 2
(45)
Diabetes non-
specific (2)
12. Projected Adoption of Genome-
Scale DNA sequencing
• Approx. 30 – 50 named individuals sequenced so far
• A few research-clinical cases have saved lives, esp in cancer
• Current capacity based on installed base of Illumina instruments
is 25 – 50,000 complete human genomes per year
• Source of the gap:
– Research human genome sequencing is much larger
– Many other research uses of DNA sequencing capacity
– Price still falling: $2,000 by late 2011 ?
• Medical interpretation improving & action-ability transitioning:
– Statistical association (probabilities of future disease)
– Mechanism of action
– Intervention to prevent or better treat
• Potential for ethical issues declines as this transition is made
12The Cambridge Phenomenon
Conference, Oct 5, 2010
14. Financing Development of Stem Cell Derived Therapies
• Technology risk declining, but regulatory timing risk remains a
challenge for investors & pharma
– Geron on clinical hold for almost 2 years
– US Federal Government policy adds to perception of risk
• California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) as a model
for funding (aka Proposition 71):
– ViaCyte awarded $26M – of the scale needed for a major development
– Additional $25M possible for clinical trials
– Most CIRM funding has gone to universities
• Cost of initial developments are only affordable for major
medical reimbursement categories, or for springboards to them
14The Cambridge Phenomenon
Conference, Oct 5, 2010
15. Thank-you for your attention
John West
ViaCyte, Inc
jwest@viacyte.com
+1 858 455 3677
15The Cambridge Phenomenon
Conference, Oct 5, 2010