Genomics is a subject of technology that changes at an alarmingly rapid rate. It is difficult to find samples of other fields which have undergone change at similar rates, but comparisons could include the evolution of computer technology in the last several decades or the rapid growth of Internet startups in the 90s. Unlike these examples, the growth of genome sequencing technology is limited to a certain technological sector, or at least, it’s been until now.
Sequencing technology is currently passing a crucial point, at which the price of whole genome sequencing is obviously below the price of running a conventional panel of genetic tests. Although it is difficult to calculate an exact figure for this, it probably is based on the number of $1K-$10K. Illumina’s HiSeq platform or IonTorrent’s Proton both promise genomic sequencing in this range, as well as Complete Genomics. As we pass this aspect, genome sequencing moves from the realm of research technology to viable clinical diagnostic test.
The consequences of this change can be observed in the growing widespread curiosity about sequencing technology. While technologies of this type have revolutionized 遗传学 many areas of research in the last decade, their use within clinical settings has profound implications for this industry. Research applications can only provide a restricted source of profits. Getting into clinical applications provides access to a much larger level of capital, both because of the larger market and higher profit margins.
The clinical introduction of genome sequencing technology will change many areas of healthcare in the next few years. Genome sequencing could eventually take the spot of a regular element of a patient’s healthcare record, in much the same way as blood type and allergies to medication are used today. However, we’ve plenty of ground to cover before we get to this point. For entrepreneurs in this field, this equates to a selection of exciting opportunities.
While interpretation of genomic has been a significant section of research, the growing usage of this data in clinical fields will generate a great demand for the unambiguous interpretation of results. Physicians want an unambiguous questions such as for example disease predisposition, and they would like a reliable party to assume the responsibility for causeing the judgement. Recently, an increasing amount of companies have entered the location of genomic data interpretation, many of them small startups such as for example Genformatic, a Bioinformatics company located in Austin. Larger companies have also begun to focus on providing these services. As this industry evolves, it is likely that more companies may enter this realm, and it is likely to be interesting to observe how things develop in this area.
While anyone with experience in Molecular Biology possesses the mandatory skills to prepare and run libraries, plenty of things can make a mistake in this process. Even in pure research applications, sample preparation can be an increasingly common service provided by a number of centers, as well as boutique services, such as for example Genome Organizer’s ChIP-Seq service. It’s not too researchers can’t perform these tasks, nevertheless when they’re readily available for a fee, they see little benefit to running these services for themselves. As genomic sequencing moves to the clinical realm, demand for such services can be expected to increase. You can find very few hospitals with the existing capability to perform basic sample preparation, and this represents a new section of opportunity in this field.
One of many greatest areas of uncertainty of this type today is how samples can get from physicians’ offices to sequencing centers, and who will inform patients of the results. Though medical school curricula may 1 day include the interpretation of genomic data, we are far from the period today. Currently, even the administration and interpretation of Genetic tests is generally left to individuals in the field of Genetic Counseling, in collaboration with statisticians and specialists. Though it is likely that a selection of other professionals will take control the responsibility of this field as time goes on, it is likely that in the longer term, the growth will take place in this field.
