Glaxosmithkline plc (GSK) and the direct-to-consumer genetic testing firm 23andme Inc. kicked off a four-year collaboration – with an option to extend into a fifth year – that includes a $300 million equity investment by the pharma player.

The FDA has granted de novo approval to 23andme Inc. for its report on BRCA1 and BRCA2 risk for developing breast, prostate or ovarian cancer. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) saliva test can provide insight on three genetic mutations linked to the cancers, most commonly found in patients of Eastern European, or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, which account for a relatively small portion of patients. There are more than 1,000 mutations of the BRCA gene, and the test is not intended to diagnose or rule out the presence of mutation, or increased risk of the particular cancers due to other factors.