Drugmaker to pay 23andme $20 million to access DNA for medical research

GSK Plc will pay 23andme Holding Co. $20 million for access to the genetic-testing company’s vast trove of consumer DNA data, extending a fiveyear collaboration that’s allowed the drugmaker to mine genetic data as it researches new medications.

Under the new agreement, 23andme will provide GSK with one year of access to anonymized DNA data from the approximately 80% of gene-testing customers who have agreed to share their information for research, 23andme said.

GSK and 23andme have already taken one potential medication to clinical trials: a cancer drug that works to block CD96, a protein that helps modulate the body’s immune responses.