Google Continues To Build Upon Its Life Sciences Ecosystem

Google has a mission to organize the worlds information and make it accessible to everyone. The companyis mostly known for its search engine and the largest mobile operating system, but you may not be aware that Google is also heavily involved in the life sciences sector. Google has invested in a number of biotech and life science companies through its venture capital arm, Google Ventures.

Lift Labs

Yesterday, Google acquired Lift Labs. Lift Labs is a company that has built a high-tech device handle, which can stabilize what is being held using an attachable spoon or fork. This type of device benefits someone that has Parkinsons Disease or Essential tremor (ET). The Lift Labs team is joining the Life Sciences division at Google[x], which is a skunkworks lab led by Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

DNAnexus

DNAnexus is a DNA sequencing data software company that works with several genome sequencing organizations to better understand human genetics contributing to heart disease and aging.Last year, DNAnexus partnered with Baylor College of Medicine to process 3,751 whole human genomes and 10,771 exomes. DNAnexus uses Amazon Web Services cloud computing to sequence DNA data and store it.GoogleVentures invested in DNAnexus$15 million Series B and $15 million Series C round of funding.

Rani Therapeutics

Google Ventures participated in an undisclosed Series B round for Rani Therapeutics in August 2013. Rani Therapeutics is working on developing technology for the oral delivery of large drug molecules, which are delivered through injections.Rani Therapeutics is currently in pre-clinical studies and demonstrated over 50% bioavailability.

SynapDx

SynapDx is a company that provides laboratory testing services to physicians who work with children that have development disorders. The goal is to enable earlier detection of autism. In July 2013, Google participated in a $15.4 million round of funding for SynapDx.

One Medical Group

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Google Continues To Build Upon Its Life Sciences Ecosystem