| 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 |
Glaxo Tries Biotech Model Glaxo has carved its research group into dozens of small units, with a goal to turn a sluggish, bureaucratic staff into specialized teams capable of discovering cutting-edge drugs. 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 |
Arena Pharmaceutical's Lorqess: A Briefing Document Analysis Rockford Coscia submits:I’d like to think that my specialty is collecting and interpreting data on biotech stocks. In the case of Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA), the data is collected and largely interpreted – all with a nice little bow on it. So rather than try to provide a thorough and unbiased analysis – which would be nearly impossible given the mountain of data – I will just insist that you read it for yourself. If you’re making a play on this stock, long or short, you have to do this due diligence. Instead I’ll provide a few selected comments and describe how I think this will go and how I intend to play it. Gekkowire has provided an excellent analysis, given the difficulties, and I suggest you give that a look here.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
California Raisins and Walking - Video California Raisins and Leslie Sansone Take Smart Steps to Heart Health feedproxy.google.com |