Human Longevity (HLI), a San Diego-based, privately held company building a comprehensive database of human genotypes and phenotypes, and the Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center, have inked a broad collaboration agreement to first sequence and analyze blood samples from Cleveland Clinic's GeneBank study of de-identified patients.

The two organizations will apply whole genome, cancer and microbiome sequencing focusing on a subset of samples with the goal of discovering novel disease genes and disease pathways associated with heart disease.

"Using HLI's powerful genomic technologies and analysis tools to better understand the biological basis for disease should enable earlier intervention and better treatments," said J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., CEO of HLI.

HLI currently is sequencing and analyzing thousands of whole genomes per month. The company is integrating this whole genome sequence data with extensive and unique clinical measures and imaging within the HLI Knowledgebase. The combined comprehensive data will continue to enrich the HLI Knowledgebase, which includes the company's proprietary informatics analysis and data interpretation and integration. The company is pursuing agreements with a variety of customers including pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic health systems, governments and insurers.