Nebula puts twist on genomic data sharing

Personal genomics company Nebula Genomics debuted with a white paper outlining its plan to put genomics data sharing into the hands of its clients through a blockchain-enabled platform. The company was co-founded by serial entrepreneur George Church, who is professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School.

Nebula clients will have the option to utilize the company's blockchain-based, peer-to-peer network in order to give buyers, including pharmas, direct access to pseudo-anonymized personal genomic and phenotypic data. Individuals may also opt out of sharing their sequencing data.

Nebula is offering whole genome sequencing for $1,000 and exome sequencing for $300. Sequencing costs can be offset through participation in paid surveys prior to sequencing and also through subsidies from data buyers.

Sequencing is performed with partner Veritas Genetics International Ltd. (Danvers, Mass.).