As DNA testing expands and the price and speed of sequencing equipment improves, it's not out of the question that the half-million dollar sequencers now only available in top research labs may find their way into routine hospital and physician office labs throughout the U.S. over the next decade, according to the findings of Kalorama Information. The healthcare market research publisher has recently released the second edition of its report on the industry, "DNA Sequencing Equipment and Services."
"With rapidly falling costs and increasing scientific discoveries, it is expected to reach a level where few other technologies can compete with sequencers," said Justin Saeks, biotech analyst for Kalorama Information and author of the report. "Over the next decade, the largest opportunity for sequencing technologies may actually be in the doctor's office or hospital."
According to the report, progress has been robust both in the development of better machines and in the mapping of the fully sequenced genomes which help to justify the use of sequencers. The report notes that the majority of the 900 sequencing projects in the Genomes OnLine Database (GOLD) at the end of 2008 were bacterial and viral, and many of these could have clinical applications. About a third of sequencing projects were aimed at a specific disease. The growth in sequenced genomes points to a bright future for the technology, especially when paired with the downward movement in equipment pricing. Indeed, this year the Dover Polonator was released at a third of the price. Another positive trend for the industry is the growth of DNA testing in laboratories. While it constitutes a small portion of overall testing in terms of revenues, the growth of molecular testing as a segment is faster than traditional segments, and points to a role for sequencers in the future.