Helix (genomics company)
{{Infobox company
| name = Helix
| type = Privately held company
| industry = Genomics
| predecessor =
| successor =
| founded = July 15, 2015
| founders = Scott Burke, Justin Kao, James Lu
| defunct =
| hq_location_city = San Mateo, California
| hq_location_country = United States
| area_served = United States
| key_people = Marc Stapley (CEO)
| products = Genomic testing
| owner =
| num_employees = 150-200
| num_employees_year =
| parent =
| website = {{URL|https://www.helix.com/}}
}}
Helix is an American population genomics company.
History
Helix focuses on personal genomics and citizen science.{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/helix-launches-app-store-for-genetics-2017-7|title=A DNA-testing startup just launched an 'app store' for genetics|work=Business Insider|access-date=2018-01-22|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.mobihealthnews.com/content/helix-raises-200-million-grow-genomics-testing-marketplace|title=Helix raises $200 million to grow genomics testing marketplace|date=2018-03-01|work=MobiHealthNews|access-date=2018-03-21|language=en}} Helix has a marketplace that offers applications created by approved partners. Helix handles sample collection, DNA sequencing, and secure data storage and partners develop on-demand products. Helix is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and operates a sequencing laboratory in San Diego.{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160712005634/en/Helix-Appoints-Armour-Chief-Digital-Officer-Co-Founder|title=Helix Appoints Former Under Armour Chief Digital Officer and Co-Founder and CEO of MapMyFitness Robin Thurston as Chief Executive Officer|access-date=2018-01-22|language=en}}
In 2016, Helix partnered with the National Geographic Society to sequence DNA for the Genographic Project.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130122064832/https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/about/ Geno 2.0 Next Generation] National Geographic. June 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.[https://www.helix.com/shop/national-geographic-geno-2-next-generation/ Helix DNA Sequencing and Geno 2.0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021021235/https://www.helix.com/shop/national-geographic-geno-2-next-generation |date=2023-10-21 }} Helix. January 26, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
In 2018, Helix partnered with the Desert Research Institute and Renown Institute of Health Innovation in support of the Healthy Nevada project, which offers free access to genomic sequencing to 40,000 residents of northern Nevada for health research.{{Cite news|url=https://healthynv.org/helix-help-expand-healthy-nevada-project/|title=Helix To Help Expand Healthy Nevada Project - Healthy Nevada|date=2018-01-09|work=Healthy Nevada|access-date=2018-01-23|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nnbw.com/news/genetic-data-sought-from-40000-more-nevadans-in-phase-2-of-renown-dri-program/|title=Genetic data sought from 40,000 more Nevadans in phase 2 of Renown, DRI program|access-date=2018-01-23|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.genomeweb.com/genetic-research/nevada-project-expands-enrollment-research-genetic-health-risks|title=Nevada Project Expands Enrollment, Research Into Genetic Health Risks|work=GenomeWeb|access-date=2018-03-21|language=en}}
Sequencing methodology
Helix uses NGS to sequence a proprietary assay called Exome+, a version of Exome sequencing which according to the company provides 100 times more data than was previously available.{{Cite news|url=https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/science-behind/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122064950/https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/science-behind/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2013|title=The Science Behind the Genographic Project - National Geographic|work=Genographic Project|access-date=2018-01-23|language=en-US}} Exome+ includes all 22,000 protein-coding genes as well as additional regions known to be of interest.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/helixs-bold-plan-to-be-your-one-stop-personal-genomics-shop/|title=Helix's Bold Plan to Be Your One Stop Personal Genomics Shop|magazine=WIRED|access-date=2018-01-23|language=en-US}} All samples are processed in Helix’s CLIA- and CAP-accredited{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170710005349/en/Helix-CLIA-Certified-DNA-Sequencing-Laboratory-Receives-College|title=Helix CLIA-Certified DNA Sequencing Laboratory Receives College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation|access-date=2018-01-23|language=en}} sequencing lab powered by Illumina NGS technology, using the Exome+ assay.{{Cite web|url=https://www.illumina.com/techniques/sequencing/dna-sequencing/targeted-resequencing/exome-sequencing.html|title=Whole Exome Sequencing {{!}} Detect exonic variants|website=www.illumina.com|access-date=2018-01-23}}
See also
References
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