Startups, Diagnostics

Made in China: Direct-to-consumer whole genome sequencing for $895

A Chinese genomics startup will be using Illumina's Hi-Seq X Ten machines to provide highly detailed ancestry information, direct to consumers.

future dna

Plenty of consumer goods are outsourced to China, thanks to its lower cost and efficient manufacturing capabilities. Maryland-based genomics startup Full Genomes Corporation, teamed up with China’s Novogene, seems to be doing just that – but with whole genome sequencing.

It is offering its GenomeGuide test for $895, which provides whole genome data to consumers – for ancestry purposes exclusively. Indeed, this new test is “the most comprehensive ancestry test on the market today,” Full Genomes CEO Justin Loe said in a statement. It’ll also give consumers their raw whole genome data.

Novogene is using one of Illumina’s powerful Hi-Seq X Ten machines to offer raw data and ancestry reports. The machines are able to sequence some 18,000 human genomes per year.

The ancestry approach is an interesting first step that many companies – 23andMe most notably – have taken to offer genetic information to their customers. It helps sidestep any regulatory concerns about disease testing – and provides a compelling tool for consumers to learn more about their roots.

But, just as with 23andMe, the real market isn’t in ancestry testing: It’s in providing comprehensive hereditary health information to curious consumers. It’s about expanding into fields like pharmacogenomics, and allowing consumers to unravel their DNA to understand their likelihood to develop disease. Full Genomes isn’t saying anything along the lines of expanding beyond ancestry – but it’s not out of the question to extrapolate.

A couple years ago, Illumina touted that it could lower the cost of whole genome sequencing to $1,000. While that’s certainly the case now, most consumer-facing genomics companies stay within the boundaries of genotyping portions of genetic material. There are few players that are bothering, at this point, to offer whole genome sequencing as a business. That’ll undoubtedly change in the near future.

 

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