Sony, M3, Inc. and Illumina, Inc. have agreed to form a collaboration to launch a "genome information platform" in Japan. Sony and M3 plan to establish P5, Inc. with Illumina as a minority investor, by the end of February, 2014.

Genome research, which analyzes human genetic data alongside medical and other information, has the capacity to lead to breakthroughs in identifying the origins of diseases, as well as the development of new medicines and methods of treatment. There is growing anticipation for advances in the field of personalized medicine, where medication or treatments are optimized for the individual patient, and this is an area where genome research findings are expected to play an increasingly important role.

The new company's "genome information platform" business will provide a genome analysis service for research institutions and enterprises in Japan. It will also aggregate genome data with related information such as medical data to support research in areas where genome data is applied. Going forward, the scope of P5 Inc.'s business is expected to extend beyond medical research, to provide a service platform that supports the use of genetic data and medical information for personalized medicine and healthcare services for individual patients.