US Genomics' New Resolution

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...

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

More from Strategy

More from Business

AstraZeneca Pledges Big Investment In US Manufacturing Amid Tariff Threats

 

The drugmaker plans to build a large manufacturing center in Virginia as the centerpiece of an effort to invest $50bn in the US by 2030.

Replimune CRL Could Hold Warning For Accelerated Approvals

 

FDA issued a complete response letter to Replimune’s BLA for a novel oncolytic immunotherapy for melanoma in a surprise to management and investors.

Stock Watch: Q2 Sales Growth Sparks Diverging Reactions To J&J And Novartis

 
• By 

With drug sector indexes underperforming the broad market in the first half of 2025, investors may have been anticipating tariff-related and other headwinds. But impending loss of exclusivity on key products may be provoking more anxiety at this point.