Future Innovations & Direction
Illumina is one of the primary players in the race to commercialize full genome sequencing. They have approached this initiative over the last couple of years through licensing deals, such as with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, M&As of other companies (such as Solexa in 2006), and heavy reinvestment of profits into its own R&D. Illumina is reportedly utilizing nanopore technology licensed from Oxford Nanopore Technologies to enable their full genome sequencing. It is unknown whether Illumina will provide their service only through their own San Diego-based laboratory or if they will sell a platform capable of full genome sequencing to other laboratories. Other companies involved in the race to commercialize full genome sequencing are Life Technologies, Pacific Biosciences, and Complete Genomics. Life Technologies recently demonstrated complete human genome sequencing, with 17x coverage, in a single run with its SOLiD Sequencer. Complete Genomics has stated that they will be able to offer a $5,000 full genome sequencing service by the summer of 2009. Illumina's CEO, Jay Flatley, stated in February 2009 that "A complete DNA read-out for every newborn will be technically feasible and affordable in less than five years, promising a revolution in healthcare" and that "by 2019 it will have become routine to map infants' genes when they are born". By June 2009, they had launched their own full genome sequencing service called Every Genome at a price of $48,000 per genome. As of May 2011, Illumina reduced the price to $4,000.
Read more about this topic: Illumina (company)
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