Decreasing Cost of Sequencing to Drive Clinical Applications

 Continuing improvements in next-generation sequencer technologies are causing revolutionary changes in biomedical research, which are gradually translating into new clinical applications.  The NIH has taken notice, and has shifted resources from basic research to more medically-oriented projects.  As the cost of systems and consumables continues to drop, this has followed an exponential trend similar to Moore’s Law with computer chips and transistors. 

The trend of decreasing cost has actually been accelerating on a logarithmic scale; if it continues, it would lead to a cost of only $10 per genome in around five years.   Benchtop next-generation sequencers are now priced at $50k to $100k, compared to the $500k to $700k for higher end systems. 

The ability to pool multiple individuals’ samples in one run has allowed further savings of time and money.  As a result, sequencers are expected to see widespread adoption in the next several years into a much broader range of clinical applications than before, as the scientific and regulatory hurdles are gradually addressed.  The following areasprovide some examples of the clinical areas showing promise.

• Cancer
• Neo-Natal
• HLA/MHC Complex
• Pathogen Detection and Subtyping 

Our report on DNA Sequencing Equipment and Services Covers These Trends and More..http://www.kaloramainformation.com/DNA-Sequencing-Equipment-7118427/