Next-Generation Sequencers Essential Tools in Biomedical Research

Next-generation sequencers (NGSs) are moving into the service-providing sector and the global biomedical research community where they are increasingly being seen as indispensable tools.

Recent scientific developments that are an outcome of next-generation sequencing technology demonstrate the impact of hugely parallel platforms, according to new market research. The declining cost of genomic sequencing has made way for the clinical application of this technology. The remarkable growth in drug discovery and molecular diagnostics will promote the uptake of this technology.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international market research company, found that the markets earned revenues of US$278.3 million in 2010 and estimates this to reach $1,042.2 billion in 2017 due to the increased focus on human genome sequencing and the application of this technology to disease prediction. The segments covered include sequencing within the service-providing sector and academic research laboratories.

"NGS are rapidly replacing microarray technology in key applications,” noted Frost & Sullivan research analyst Divyaa Ravishankar. "Enhanced breadth of application is contributing, in turn, to wider coverage even as increased read lengths are being worked on in the new platforms.”

The need to sequence complex and variable human genomes has created opportunities for the growth of next-generation sequencing in areas such as gene discovery, gene expression, gene regulation studies, and clinical diagnostic applications in Europe.

An increasing number of laboratories in Europe are replacing microarrays with NGS. Ongoing cancer research programs, biomarker discovery, forensics, and many funded drug discovery projects rely on NGS. Approximately 130 research centers in Europe are using this technology.

However, funding and technology related issues remain areas of concern. European research organizations are dependent on funding and grants. These are sometimes in short supply, posing problems for continued research. At the same time, technology overlapping by various NGS vendors raises intellectual property (IP) concerns.

"There is significant concern regarding technology overlap since all the market participants have common goals that include sample preparation methods, higher throughput and cost-cutting measures,” explained Ms. Ravishankar. "Competitors are moving towards longer reads and single molecule real-time sequencing [SMRT] and hence, the need to patent their technology is becoming a key issue.”

Increase in the volume of data requiring efficient data management systems poses a challenge. At the same time, interpretation of complicated data from next-generation platforms presents another challenge that market participants and end users will need to handle.

Applications for next-generation sequencing can be better addressed with a multidisciplinary approach that embraces novel solutions and innovative technologies. Developing instruments that will cater to end-user needs will enable market participants to gain an edge. "Concentrating on factors like greater read lengths, higher throughput and improved accuracy will help companies succeed,” concluded Ms. Ravishankar. "Instrument pricing can also help promote sales.”

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