IBM Watson Group invests in Pathway Genomics to personalize consumer health

IBM Watson Group invests in Pathway Genomics

IBM Watson Group has invested in Pathway Genomics, a clinical laboratory that offers genetic testing services globally, to help deliver the first-ever cognitive consumer-facing app based on genetics from a user’s personal makeup.

The upcoming mobile app, Pathway Panorama, will rely on Watson’s Big Data processing capabilities to understand the complexities of human language, while referencing millions of pages of healthcare data from medical journals and clinical trial data within seconds. The data will be combined with information about the individual’s lifestyle and wellness-related biomarker information to provide personalized options to help the user and their physician make more informed decisions about living a healthier life. Panorama will also routinely monitor a user’s health and wellness information, and ping the user with any new relevant recommendations.

The Watson-powered Pathway Panorama mobile app will be able to answer wellness related questions based on user’s genetics.“The medical industry is undergoing a dramatic and systemic change, giving consumers and their physicians a powerful tool built upon cognitive learning and Watson will make the change even more transformative,” said Michael Nova, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Pathway Genomics; and Member of Watson Advisory Board.

The new money provided by IBM’s Watson Group brings Pathway Genomics’ funding in the last six years to more than $80 million, making it one of the industry’s best capitalized healthcare start-ups.

According to Allied Market Research, the bioinformatics market, which includes genetics, is expected to grow to $12.86 billion by 2020.