HeliScope genome sequencer soon to launch – $72K genome possible

Over the last month I have written articles on the rapid advances in genome sequencing (Knome) and SNP analyses (23andme and deCodeme), all of which are truly awesome.   So when Helicos Biosciences announced it is on track to ship its first next generation sequencing unit called the HeliScope, very soon, it came as no surprise. However …. what blew me away was that they have the capability of sequencing a genome for around $72,000 bringing the $1,000 sequence (considered the ‘Holy Grail’ for sequencing), many steps closer.  

HeliScope (TM) Single Molecule Sequencer

Helicos President and COO Steve Lombardi  announced at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference that the HeliScope can do whole-genome sequencing at 10x coverage in eight weeks at a cost of $72,000. He also said that Helicos’ goal is not to replace Sanger sequencing, but rather the company is focused on translational medicine and applications such as gene expression and medical sequencing. He also said that a key advantage for the HeliScope is that it is a complete workflow system and includes sample preparation and an image analysis compute tower.

For further information, click on the following Genome News link:

 http://www.genomeweb.com/issues/news/144376-1.html

Elaine Warburton