MassMutual deal offers cheaper DNA decoding for stakeholders
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance (MassMutual) has struck a deal with a company formed by the pioneer of DNA sequencing to provide stakeholders with the chance to have their own DNA decoded at reduced cost. Policyholders and employees of the life insurer can have their entire genome read, which will allow them to make better decisions about their health. While none of the data will be used by MassMutual or the testing firm Human Longevity – founded by genome expert Craig Venter – it is expected subscribers' doctors will use the sequence to assess life expectancy and disease risk. 
"MassMutual has long believed that both financial and physical health are important, inextricably linked components of individual well-being," said Gareth Ross, MassMutual's Chief Digital and Customer Experience Officer. "Our cutting-edge agreement with HLI – which is unlike anything else in our industry – may better enable our customers, employees and financial professionals to see the benefits of a long and healthy life."

HLIQ Whole Genome, which is ordered by a client's physician, includes comprehensive sequencing and analysis of the individual's whole genome. The report may give insight into health status and risk for disease, details on which pharmaceuticals may work better for individuals, carrier status for family planning decisions, along with ancestry and personal traits. Clients and their doctors will receive an electronic version of the genome report and their entire genome in a printable poster format.

HLI's data security standards are designed to fully protect client data. MassMutual will not receive from HLI any data, including genomic data, on these policy owners, customers, employees or financial professionals. MassMutual does not pay for or otherwise subsidize the cost of the HLIQ Whole Genome. This voluntary program is available to existing MassMutual customers as of March 14, 2017.

Cynthia Collins, HLI Chief Executive Officer stated, "Current practice of medicine is reactive, focused on management of disease and costly. The HLIQ Whole Genome is one of HLI's novel solutions to help make healthcare more predictive, proactive, and preventative. We continue to believe that genomics will play an increasingly important role across a variety of business sectors including insurance and look forward to working with MassMutual."

HLI has developed one of the world's largest databases, which currently has approximately 40,000 genomes and related phenotype (physical trait) data. This distinct database, combined with HLI's proprietary tools and machine learning capabilities, may enable HLI to make new discoveries from the genome, which could lead to more novel insights for customers. Clients also have the added benefit of knowing that their genomic data is helping to enhance the overall understanding of health and disease.

The offer is available through March 14, 2018. To learn more about HLIQ Whole Genome, customers should start by visiting MassMutual's website at www.massmutual.com/HLI. More information about HLI and HLIQ Whole Genome can be found at www.humanlongevity.com.

About Human Longevity, Inc.™

Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI) is the genomics-based, health intelligence company creating the world's largest and most comprehensive database of whole genome, phenotype and clinical data. HLI is developing and applying large scale computing and machine learning to make novel discoveries to revolutionize health. In addition to the HLIQ Whole Genome and HLIQ Oncology, HLI's business also includes the HLI Health Nucleus, a genomic powered clinical research center which uses whole genome sequence analysis, advanced clinical imaging and innovative machine learning, along with curated personal health information, to deliver the most complete picture of individual health. For more information, please visit http://www.humanlongevity.com or http://www.healthnucleus.com.

About MassMutual

MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policy owners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com. MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives.

SOURCE Human Longevity, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.humanlongevity.com

