1. Scrip
  2. >>Business
  3. >>Strategy

US Genomics' New Resolution

 
• By Mark Ratner

In distancing itself from developing technology for single-molecule genome sequencing, US Genomics has partly moved from developing a potentially disruptive technology to providing incremental improvements, first in genomics research. The appeal is that the start-up can get to the market and generate product revenues faster. But whether its new focus will provide the big margins or access to big markets that venture investors find appealing remains an open question.

When Stephen DeFalco became CEO of US Genomics Inc. (USG) two and a half years ago, he took over a start-up that had overpromised on a technology and needed to retool. Since USG's formation in 1997, founder Eugene Chan had been articulating a vision of being able to read the sequence of an entire genome continuously, base pair by base pair, by feeding full-length DNA through an instrument like running film through a projector. Such a technology would be fast, accurate, and would enable the so-called $1,000 genome—the price point at which sequencing any person's genome from scratch becomes clinically feasible, according to current thinking.

But four years after founding the company, Chan's team remained dogged by a core issue facing start-ups pursuing single-molecule sequencing (SMS): USG was not able to obtain single base-pair optical...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Strategy

Deal Watch: QurAlis Targets Fragile-X Syndrome In Deals With Quiver, UMass

 
• By Joseph Haas

Plus the end of Sanofi’s six-target alliance with IGM, OmniAb’s deals with Veraxa and Angelini, alliances involving Skye/Arecor, Genprex/UTHealth Houston and more.

GSK’s Nucala Set For Dupixent Face-Off After FDA COPD Nod

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The UK major's asthma drug gets a key expanded approval.

Zydus To Continue Mirabegron Sales, Looks To World-First Dual Shigella-Typhoid Vaccine

 
• By Vibha Ravi

Zydus expects strong mirabegron sales in FY26 amid US litigation even as it builds a growth pillar in vaccines with a world-first, Gates Foundation-aided dual shigella-typhoid vaccine under development and others on the WHO prequalified list

Challenging Environment For Biopharma Is A Tailwind For Royalty Pharma

 
• By Jessica Merrill

The royalty revenue stream acquirer has around 40 products in its portfolio and expects to generate roughly $3bn this year. Head of R&D and investments Marshall Urist talked about the investment strategy at the RBC Healthcare Conference.

More from Business

Challenging Environment For Biopharma Is A Tailwind For Royalty Pharma

 
• By Jessica Merrill

The royalty revenue stream acquirer has around 40 products in its portfolio and expects to generate roughly $3bn this year. Head of R&D and investments Marshall Urist talked about the investment strategy at the RBC Healthcare Conference.

Finance Watch: SV Closes Second Dementia Discovery Fund, Exceeding $250m Goal

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Private Company Edition: SV Health Investors revealed the final closing of its second Dementia Discovery Fund. Also, Eikon cut nearly 15% of its staff, Pathos AI raised $365m in series D venture capital and CellCentric completed a $120m series C round, among other financings.

Sanofi Makes Alzheimer’s Bet With Vigil Buy

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The French drugmaker is expanding its neurology activities with the $470m deal.