Firm says that focus is on the role of genomics on preventive care.
Navigenics raised approximately $18 million in a Series C financing. The Procter and Gamble Company joined existing Navigenics investors, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers and Mohr Davidow Ventures.
Navigenics provides genetic testing and counseling services. Consumers send in a saliva sample, which gets analyzed at the firm’s CLIA-certified lab for genetic markers associated with the select health conditions.
“This Series C financing will help ensure that Navigenics has the ability to continue our groundbreaking research into the impact of genomics on preventive healthcare, expand our clinical offerings into exciting new areas, and lead the way in making personal genomics an integral part of employer-sponsored preventive health and wellness programs,” remarks Vance Vanier, M.D., Navigenics president and CEO.
“I welcome the partnership of Procter and Gamble,” Dr. Vanier continues. “When combined with their commitment to developing innovative consumer health and wellness products and an expanding focus on health services, P&G’s insight and brand will strengthen Navigenics’ position to embed personal genomics into the prevention dialogue of everyday healthcare.”
Nathan Estruth, vp of Procter & Gamble FutureWorks and board member of MDVIP, a national network of primary care physicians focused on personalized, preventive care, adds, “Navigenics represents an exciting opportunity for future innovation for P&G.” MDVIP initiated a collaboration with Navigenics, under which the firm’s genetic test will be available as a service to MDVIP-affiliated physicians.