23andMe, Pfizer to study IBD genetics

23andMe Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.) partnered with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to explore the genetic factors associated with the onset, progression, severity and response to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Under the deal, 23andMe will recruit about 10,000 U.S. patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) who are not already 23andMe customers. The patients will then receive 23andMe's Personal Genome Service (PGS) at no cost. Pfizer said it plans to use the genetic information in part to identify patients who are more likely to respond to treatments. The companies are not disclosing financial terms, including how much funding Pfizer is providing. ...