Second Genome

Second Genome is a venture capital funded, life sciences research company based in South San Francisco.[1] The company's focus is on the development and exploitation of a research platform which facilitates the identification and elucidation of relationships between human physiology and the human microbiota,[1][2] and it has a long term goal of becoming a drug development company.[3] The name "second genome" comes from the notion that humans have, effectively, two genomes: the native human genome, and the more diverse set of genomes carried by the human microbiota.[4]

The company's first foray into drug development was a small molecule treatment for ulcerative colitis (SGM-1019).[3][5][notes 1][notes 2] The mechanism of SGM-1019 has not been disclosed in detail.[5] Key to the company's business model has been partnerships with large established pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Janssen.[1] Potential competitors to Second Genome include Kaleido Biosciences, Synlogic, Kallyope, Seres Therapeutics, OpenBiome, Rebiotix, Evelo Therapeutics,[2] and Vedanta Biosciences.[3]

Second Genome was founded in 2010 by Corey Goodman, a venture capitalist and former Pfizer executive.[3] The company had a headcount of 18 employees as of 2014,[1] which had increased to 25 by 2016.[3] Startup financing was obtained through a Series A round which raised US$11.5 million.[1] A Series B round of funding raised US$42.6 million in 2016.[3] By 2016, the company had established a DNA sequencing service aimed at microbial samples, which provided revenue to supplement venture capital infusions.[3]

As of 2016, the company's president and chief executive officer was Peter DiLaura.[1][3]

Notes
  1. Searches in clinicaltrials.gov on 3 August 2017 did not reveal information about trials sponsored by Second Genome or using the therapeutic SGM-1019.
  2. Timmerman 2016 refers to indication being ulcerative colitis; Lash 2015 refers to indication being Crohn's disease.

References
  1. Koberstein, Wayne (July 2014). "Second Geome". Companies To Watch. Life Science Leader. Jameson Publishing. 6 (7): 14.
  2. Jacobson, Don (19 July 2017). "Mayo Continues Venture Funding of Gut Microbiome Companies with Latest Stake". Twin Cities Business. Minnesota, United States: MSP Communications. Retrieved 4 August 2017. Second Genome’s product is essentially a platform that combines genomics technologies, computational biology, and phenotypic screening which allows researchers to develop drugs....
  3. Timmerman, Luke (20 April 2016). "Pfizer, Roche Embrace The Microbiome, Leading $43M Bet On Second Genome". Forbes.
  4. Shukla, Triveni P. (2014). Our Genes, Our Foods, Our Choices. Bloomington, Indiana, United States: Author House. p. 89. ISBN 9781496928580. OCLC 890626454. One hundred trillion bacteria in our colon and their genes, our second genome, matter to our immunity and sustainable health. --Triveni P. Shukla
  5. Lash, Alex (12 January 2015). "Second Genome Has Begun First Drug Trial Based on Microbiome Secrets". Xconomy. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
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