GSK and Verily launch Galvani Bioelectronics

Abstract

GlaxoSmithKline has joined with Verily Life Sciences to set up Galvani Bioelectronics, which will focus on treating chronic illnesses by controlling electrical impulses in the body. GSK and Verily, the former Google Life Sciences business, will initially invest up to $718 million over seven years to support R&D at Galvani. Having made a concerted push into the bioelectronics area in 2012, GSK will now put its in-house efforts into Galvani for a 55% stake. The start-up will be housed at GSK’s Stevenage, England, R&D site with research also conducted in South San Francisco. Kris Famm, GSK’s vice president of bioelectronics R&D, will become Galvani’s president. Galvani will combine GSK’s capabilities with Verily’s technical expertise in miniaturizing low-power electronics and in developing implantable devices, data analytics, and software for clinical applications. Galvani will initially employ about 30 scientists, engineers, and clinicians. GSK says it has already seen encouraging proof of principle