Complete Genomics Launches, Becomes World's First Large-Scale Human Genome Sequenci...(r complete human genomes forjust $5000 i...)

"This $5,000 price point, combined with the scale of our sequencing center, will dramatically increase the availability and affordability of human genome sequencing. For the first time, our customers can conduct systematic studies of the genetic basis of disease and drug response. Our sequencing services will be one of the core enablers of the impending revolution in personalized medicine," Reid added.

"Many chronic and life-threatening human diseases have a genetic basis, and Complete Genomics' sequencing service will allow medical researchers to study disease pathways comprehensively and cost-effectively in a large number of individuals. The ability to compare a significant number of genomes of people with a disease against those without the disease is central to enabling drug discovery and the development of new diagnostics," added Dr. George M. Church, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, director of the Center for Computational Genetics and member of Complete Genomics' Scientific Advisory Board.

Growth Strategy

This announcement marks the first step in Complete Genomics' dramatic growth strategy. After the company launches its third-generation human DNA sequencing service in Q2 2009, it plans to sequence 1,000 genomes in the same year. The company will then sequence 20,000 genomes in 2010.

This is proving to be a popular proposition: 10 percent of Complete Genomics' sequencing capacity is already allocated to the Seattle-based Institute for Systems Biology, with whom it announced its first partnership today.

Also in conjunction with partners, Complete Genomics intends to open additional genome sequencing centers across the U.S. and abroad. Over the next five years, the company projects that 10 such centers will be able to sequence 1 million complete human genomes.

"One million genomes represent 1,000 people each in 1,000 disease studies," Reid said
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