In a groundbreaking move, Variant Bio, a Seattle-based biotech company, has pledged to share the financial rewards of its genetic research with Indigenous communities whose DNA plays a pivotal role in developing new treatments. This innovative partnership challenges the traditional model of genetic research, which has often been criticized for exploiting Indigenous populations without offering tangible benefits.

A New Approach to Genetic Research

Variant Bio’s collaboration with Indigenous groups began in 2019 when Dr. Stephane Castel, the company’s co-founder, met with Māori and Pacific Islander leaders in New Zealand. Addressing concerns about exploitation, Dr. Castel outlined an unprecedented commitment:

• Revenue Sharing: Participating communities would receive a portion of the company’s profits.
• Ethical Patenting: The company vowed not to patent genetic material but only the drugs developed from the research.
• Affordable Medicine: Communities would have access to resulting treatments at reduced costs.

“A lot of people told us this was a crazy idea, and it wouldn’t work,” said Dr. Castel. Yet, five years later, this vision is becoming a reality.

$50 Million Collaboration with Novo Nordisk

On Tuesday, Variant Bio announced a $50 million partnership with pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. The collaboration focuses on developing drugs for metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity, using data collected from Indigenous populations.

Funds from this deal will be shared with communities in nine countries, including the Māori, ensuring that their contributions are directly rewarded. Experts also view this as a step toward rebuilding trust in a field often criticized for exploitation.

A Step Toward Ethical Science

Dr. Krystal Tsosie, a geneticist and bioethicist at Arizona State University, praised the initiative:
“In the past, researchers would enter Indigenous communities with empty promises. Variant Bio is the only company, to the best of my knowledge, that has explicitly talked about benefit-sharing as part of their mission.”

This approach addresses long-standing issues in genetics research, where Indigenous communities have often seen their genetic material used in ways that provide no direct benefit to them.

A Model for the Future

By centering equity and transparency, Variant Bio sets a new precedent in genetic research. Their model not only advances scientific discovery but also ensures that communities contributing to these breakthroughs are recognized and rewarded.

This partnership with Indigenous populations could serve as a blueprint for ethical collaboration, bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and the communities it impacts most directly.

As Variant Bio and Novo Nordisk work toward treatments for obesity and diabetes, they’re also proving that innovation and integrity can go hand in hand—a promising future for science and society alike.