Genomics is a field of technology that changes at an alarmingly rapid rate. It’s difficult to locate samples of other fields which have undergone change at similar rates, but comparisons could are the evolution of computer technology over the past 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 specific technological sector, or at the very least, it has been until now.
Sequencing technology is now passing a vital point, where the cost of whole genome sequencing is really less than the cost of owning a conventional panel of genetic tests. La génétique Though it is difficult to calculate a precise figure because of this, it probably is based on the product range of $1K-$10K. Illumina’s HiSeq platform or IonTorrent’s Proton both promise genomic sequencing in this range, along with Complete Genomics. As we pass this aspect, genome sequencing moves from the realm of research technology to viable clinical diagnostic test.
The consequences of the change could be observed in the growing widespread curiosity about sequencing technology. While technologies in this region have revolutionized many regions of research over the past decade, their used in clinical settings has profound implications because of this industry. Research applications can only just provide a limited source of profits. Moving into clinical applications provides use of a much bigger quantity of capital, both because of the larger market and higher profit margins.
The clinical introduction of genome sequencing technology will change many aspects of healthcare in the next few years. Genome sequencing could eventually take the area of a typical element of a patient’s healthcare record, in quite similar way as blood type and allergies to medication are used today. However, we’ve lots of ground to cover before we get to the point. For entrepreneurs in this field, this equates to a selection of exciting opportunities.
While interpretation of genomic has been an essential section of research, the growing utilization of this data in clinical fields will generate a good demand for the unambiguous interpretation of results. Physicians want an unambiguous questions such as disease predisposition, and they would like a trustworthy party to assume the responsibility for causeing the judgement. Recently, an increasing quantity of companies have entered the location of genomic data interpretation, many of them small startups such as Genformatic, a Bioinformatics company situated in Austin. Larger companies have begun to target on providing these services. As this industry evolves, it is likely that more companies may enter this realm, and it is going to be interesting to observe how things develop in this area.
While anyone with experience in Molecular Biology possesses the mandatory skills to get ready and run libraries, lots of things can make a mistake in this process. Even in pure research applications, sample preparation can be an increasingly common service supplied by a number of centers, along with boutique services, such as Genome Organizer’s ChIP-Seq service. It’s not too researchers can’t perform these tasks, however when they are readily available for a fee, they see little benefit to running these services for themselves. As genomic sequencing moves in to the clinical realm, demand for such services can be likely to increase. You can find few hospitals with the current capability to execute basic sample preparation, and this represents a brand new section of opportunity in this field.
One of the greatest regions of uncertainty in this region today is how samples are certain to get from physicians’ offices to sequencing centers, and who will inform patients of their results. Though medical school curricula may one day are 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. Although it is likely that a selection of other professionals will take over the responsibility of the field as time goes on, it is likely that in the near future, the growth will require place within this field.