| Illumina Takes the Lead in Human Genome Project Prohost Biotech submits:In June 2009, Illumina (ILMN) announced the launch of its individual genome sequencing service. The service is built around physician-patient consultation, with a physician’s order required to initiate the process. Sequencing is performed in Illumina’s CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory, following a rigorous process that focuses on physician involvement, patient privacy and data quality. The news was big, but what makes such milestones in the medical fields achievable is individuals’ serious consideration, which is possible only through offering them explanation of the purpose of the newly suggested process. In the case of individual genome sequencing (IGS), individuals should know more about sequencing, its purpose, the results and the impact on their protection and treatment, in case they are diagnosed with a sickness. In the June 2009 announcement of the sequencing service, Illumina was not crystal clear on both the clinical utility of the sequencing and its cost. Friday, Illumina announced the price of IGS. The details of the clinical utility of the sequencing is mostly left for physicians to elaborate on, as they are the decision makers with regard to IGS. The price decided upon is $19,500 for individual genome sequencing service and $14,500 per genome for groups of five or more participants using the same physician. In other words, to help lower the cost for clients, a physician can order five genome sequencings at a time, thus saving $5000 for each individual. This is not all. For patients who suffer from serious medical conditions for whom IGS could provide potential direct clinical value the cost will be $9,500 per genome. In all cases, the service requires individuals to follow Illumina’s physician-mediated process, which involves pre-service consultation, consent, and a seven-day cooling off period, with final genome data returned to the physician.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Becoming a Living Donor Signing up for a bone-marrow registry is simple and donating is relatively painless. And if the transplant succeeds, the results are astonishing. Here's what you need to consider. online.wsj.com |
Merck, Gates Foundation to Donate to HIV Efforts Merck said it and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are pledging another $60 million toward Botswana's African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships. online.wsj.com |
Depomed: Long-Term Winner Holding Strong M.E. Garza submits: By Patrick Crutcher Shares of Depomed Inc.(NASDAQ: DEPO) have steadily climbed up more than 20% over the past month. We continue to believe that DEPO is one of the strongest biotechnology companies for their marketcap and that shares have considerable upside over the next 4-6 months.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
California Raisins and Walking - Video California Raisins and Leslie Sansone Take Smart Steps to Heart Health feedproxy.google.com |