GlaxoSmithKline, the London-based pharmaceutical giant that has substantial operations in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, has entered into a four-year, $300 million collaboration with 23andMe that will focus on new medicines and potential cures for diseases – using human genetics as the basis for discovery.

The $300 million represents an equity investment GSK is making in 23andMe, writes John George at bizjournals.com.

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Based in Mountain View, Calif., 23andMe is a consumer genetics and research company that provides DNA data to individuals interested in learning more about their personal genetic profile. The company has attracted more than 5 million customers since it was founded in 2006. Data can only be shared for scientific research with customers’ consent.

The collaboration, the companies said, will combine 23andMe’s “large-scale genetic resources and advanced data science skills,” with GSK scientific and medical knowledge and commercialization expertise.

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