23andMe's strategy of selling its database of genetic data to Big Pharma companies continues to bear fruit. The Google-backed company is sharing data about the DNA of 650,000 individuals with Pfizer ($PFE) to help that company in its R&D efforts. In addition, Pfizer and 23andMe will enroll 5,000 patients in a trial on the genetics of the autoimmune disease lupus. The two have already collaborated on studies of irritable bowel disease. The deal comes on the heels of a similar agreement with Genentech focused on Parkinson's patients that will yield the genetic testing company up to $60 million. It is mired in an infamous kerfuffle with the FDA, which has blocked sales of the Personal Genome Service in the U.S. So, the good news regarding the parallel strategy is crucial to 23andMe's survival. And the looming FDA regulation of laboratory-developed tests promises to shelve other diagnostics products in the future. Upon announcing the proposal, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg gave a fierce critique of those providers not currently under FDA purview. The 23andMe-Pfizer and Genentech alliances could be a harbinger of things to come. Story