A biotechnology company has announced a new price for sequencing an individual's entire genome: $5,000. The announcement from the California start-up Complete Genomics signifies a drastic price drop--the going rate for a complete genome is currently about $100,000--and could allow researchers to routinely collect vast amounts of genetic information.
Researchers say that a $5,000 genome would enable new studies to identify rare genetic variants linked to common diseases, and it could open up the sequencing market to diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies, making genome sequencing a routine part of clinical drug testing [ABC News].
Complete Genomics won't offer its services directly to people who are curious about their genetic makeup, setting it apart from consumer-oriented companies like 23andMe and deCODE Genetics.
Complete Genomics expects most of its customers to be pharmaceutical companies or research laboratories that are doing studies aimed at finding genes linked to diseases. Such studies might look at ...
