Advances in DNA sequencing technology and the interpretation of the acquired data have fueled advances in genomics and its application in the delivery of personalized healthcare. Illumina recently announced a new milestone that will move the industry in ways that are yet to be realized, or even envisioned – a DNA sequencing super computer (HiSeqX) designed to process 20,000 genomes per year at a cost of $1,000 each. It is reported that the current cost to sequence a human genome is about $10,000. Illumina’s a high-speed, relatively low cost HiSeqX sequencer is expected to remove barriers to wide spread genomic data collection by lowering the cost and increasing the speed of sequencing, which in turn will allow even more sophisticated analysis and the application of that information to treat and prevent disease.
But in the near term, where are the opportunities in genomic medicine? Dr. Eric Green, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) speaking at the 2014 Silicon Valley Personalized Medicine World Conference (PMWC) “The Arrival of Actionable Personalized Medicine: The Age of Guided Disease Management” reported on the NHGRI’s “hot topics” list for 2014.
The PMWC is reported to be dedicated to the global adoption of personalized medicine. Silicon Valley investors and entrepreneurs launched the conference in 2009.