Many chronic and life-threatening diseases have a genetic basis, but current technology cannot analyze the human genome in a sufficiently complete or cost-effective manner to enable researchers to understand entire disease pathways. This incomplete understanding of the genetic interactions involved in disease limits healthcare outcomes by hindering the development of tailored drugs, diagnostics, and advanced disease prevention techniques.
Complete Genomics was established in March 2006 by Dr. Clifford Reid, Dr.Radoje Drmanac, and Mr. John Curson, who shared a vision to provide high-throughput, affordable, and complete genome sequencing of human populations. Their goal was to enable commercial-scale research of the genetic mechanisms underlying drug responses and complex diseases, ensuring important advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic markets.
Complete Genomics sequenced its first genome in early 2009 and that data is publically available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Already, in 2009, Complete Genomics has sequenced and delivered genomes to important collaborators in academic, pharmaceutical and government research institutions. In 2010, the company intends to sequence 10,000 genomes. Complete Genomics’ mission is to become the global leader in human genome sequencing. It is currently building the world’s largest human genome sequencing center in California. Further expansion is planned by opening sequencing centers worldwide.
By offering low-cost, high-quality, complete DNA sequencing, Complete Genomics will power large-scale human genome studies that will enable great strides in our understanding of the genetic basis of disease. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that had been previously priced out of the market will finally be able to access population-wide human genomic data for a wide variety of diagnostic and discovery applications. This exploration will provide new avenues for therapeutic and diagnostic discovery to benefit human health. |
