Sequence Bio

Sequence Bio is a data-driven biotechnology company based in Newfoundland and Labrador that leads the NL Genome Project. They combine multi-omic data with longitudinal health records to study Newfoundland's unique genetic makeup. Their goal is to use these computational approaches to improve healthcare and transform drug discovery.

The company targets individuals seeking genetic insights into inherited diseases and organizations looking for genetic evidence to improve drug development. They aim to identify the right drug targets and predictors of disease and treatment response from the start. Their research focuses on the genetic causes of inherited disease within the province's founder population.

To take part in their study, individuals can enroll in the Newfoundland and Labrador Genome Project. The company is currently accepting volunteers to study the genetic causes of inherited disease. Enrollment is explicitly stated as open on their website for those interested in participating.

The business operates out of 100 New Gower Street in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. They serve the local community while also partnering with global leaders in life sciences. Their research is powered by founder effects that bring the genetic drivers of disease into focus for the region.

The company has been active as of 2026, with recent updates including a brand refresh and new study details published in 2024 and 2025. They entered into a Benefits and Royalty Agreement with the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador in May 2023. Their website also mentions a new study published in Communications Biology in April 2025.

Reviewers consistently praise the company's genetics research services as top-notch and exceptional. They highlight the team's knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness throughout the research process. The website is frequently described as easy to use, informative, and user-friendly by multiple reviewers.

The Trustburn rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews. The reviews range from 3 to 5 stars, with most being 5-star ratings. The feedback is recent, with the latest review posted on November 29, 2023.

Some reviewers note that the platform was easy to navigate and the staff provided valuable insights. Others mentioned that the staff was helpful and knowledgeable. A few reviewers found the experience decent, though one noted it was just a good experience without extreme praise.

According to a study published in Communications Biology, Sequence Bio analyzed the genetic profiles of 1,807 volunteering individuals from the NLGP. This study demonstrated a unique founder population structure in Newfoundland and Labrador. The research traced European ancestry in NL back to settlers from South-East Ireland and South-West England around three centuries ago.

The company partners with Memorial University of Newfoundland, NL Health Services, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. They also collaborate with RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin, Ireland. These partnerships unite local healthcare expertise with global leaders in life sciences.

The leadership team includes Lynn Healey as Chief Executive Officer and Tom Barber, PhD as Chief Scientific Officer. Other key staff include Chris McDonald as VP, Strategy and Bari Ballew, PhD as Sr. Director, Genomics. The board of directors includes Mark Dobbin as Chair and members from Killick Capital and Klister Credit.

The company offers services in human genetics, translational biology, and research ethics. Their approach involves pairing insights with deep clinical and family health histories. They aim to move beyond association to causal evidence linking genes to disease with high confidence.

The website states that 90% of potential drugs fail because they lack genetic evidence to prove they will work. Sequence Bio aims to change this by providing genetic evidence from the start. Their mission is to ensure transformative medicines reach the people who need them.

The company's website mentions a new study illustrating the unique genetic landscape in Newfoundland and Labrador with links to Ireland and England. This study was published in April 2025 and highlights the genetic substructure of the population. It also notes multiple population bottlenecks happening independently around 300 years ago.

You can reach Sequence Bio by phone at 18002963481 or by e-mail at [email protected].