Biopharma and applied market customers are latching onto the disruptive NGS technologyBased on our recent analysis of the life sciences research tools market, we estimated the next generation sequencing market at ~$700M in 2010, and growing at ~20% p.a. over the next 3-5 years. Key drivers of this growth include 1) resequencing of human genomes for discovery of genetic variations, 2) repeat sequencing and expression analysis of cancer biopsies and 3) development of protocols for novel applications (e.g., methylation, miRNA de novo discovery). Additional growth is being gated by the high capital cost for high-throughput instruments (e.g., HiSeq) and workflow complexity.The top three competitors in this space are Illumina (e.g., HiSeq 2000, MiSeq), , Life Technologies(e.g., SOLiD, Personal Genome Machine*), and Roche (e.g., FLX system, GS Junior System).Current end customers are primarily academic, although biopharma and applied market customers are latching on this disruptive technology positioned to redefine genomics. In addition, next generation sequencing is gaining in popularity in clinical settings, as data mining tools to extract the biological relevance out of large genomic data sets improve. While individuals –and physicians– may be interested in understanding their genome for various reasons, one key objective is to better understand how genomic information can predict their risk for developing medical conditions and how to translate this information into preventive measures to stay healthy. However, the number of genetic variants that provide meaningful insight into potential health issues has been limited.Therefore, physicians have been very unlikely to prescribe complete genome sequencing for diagnostic purposes. One growing exception has been for cancer diagnostics and treatment. The data generated from the sequencing of hundreds of cancer genomes has allowed researchers to explore the genetic basis of particular cancers in new ways.Scientists have been able to investigate associations between the genetic changes observed in cancer genomes and compare them with normal genomes for an unprecedented number of samples. This large number of samples has enabled the discovery of informative diagnostic and prognostic markers, and lead to more predictive personalized disease prevention and improved treatments, while minimizing drug resistance and side effects.For more information on next generation sequencing, please contact us about our latest life sciences research tools market report.* Or PGM from Ion Torrent

Authors: Stephane Budel, Partner at DeciBio, LLCConnect with Stephane Budel on Google+https://plus.google.com/+StephaneBudel