ASeq Newsletter

The ASeq Newsletter explores advancements and challenges within the sequencing technology landscape, focusing on industry dynamics, clinical applications, and market competition. It critically examines the role of major companies like Illumina, emerging technologies, and the impact of sequencing in diagnostics and oncology.

Sequencing Technology Genetics and Diagnostics Market Dynamics Clinical Applications Industry Analysis Technological Innovations Company Profiles

The hottest Substack posts of ASeq Newsletter

And their main takeaways

Illumina's Roche Reaction

21 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25

Illumina is facing several challenges, including layoffs and changes in their offerings. They've introduced a new spatial instrument but are cutting employee stock grants.
In their response to Roche, Illumina emphasized that Roche's technology is complex and might not be as efficient. They believe their products, like the MiSeq i100, are on par in performance.
Overall, Illumina didn't provide clear answers to questions about their strategy, leaving some uncertainty about their future direction in the market.

Roche Nanopore: Accuracy

7 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Data Analysis Medical Research

Roche's Q39 accuracy system is different from other platforms like Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. It's important to compare them carefully as each has unique metrics.
The average accuracy of different sequencing platforms varies, but Roche doesn't provide clear comparisons. They share limited data about their simplex accuracy.
Understanding the differences in data quality and error rates across platforms is crucial. Factors like read length and error filtering play a significant role in the accuracy of sequencing results.

Ultima Genomics...$80 Genome...$0 Genome...

21 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25

🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Medicine Research Technology

Ultima Genomics has improved its sequencer, allowing more output per run and lowering costs significantly. This means sequencing the genome will cost around $80 now.
The new technology uses larger features which help boost throughput without needing complex techniques. This makes the process simpler and more efficient.
While these changes are great for users, their long-term impact on the company’s survival is uncertain. It’s important that they remain financially viable to continue providing these benefits.

Roche Nanopore: First Thoughts (Pt 1)

51 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25

🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Research Innovation Technology

Roche Nanopore's new sequencing method shows really impressive early results, which builds confidence in its technology.
The accuracy of their duplex sequencing is reportedly better than Illumina's, suggesting it could be useful for many different applications.
More information will be shared soon, as there's ongoing discussion and a second post in the works.

Will Oxford Nanopore Sue Roche?

14 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Intellectual Property Legal issues Genetics Research

Oxford Nanopore has been actively suing companies like BGI without concrete claims of intellectual property infringement. This raises questions about their legal strategy.
Roche might also face issues if they used Oxford's sequencers, especially since there are user agreements involved that they might have overlooked.
Oxford Nanopore has a history of using the hairpin duplex approach, which led to legal disputes in the past. It will be interesting to see if their current patents hold up against previous art from competitors.

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The Roche Nanopore Chip

14 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Research Medicine Innovation

The Roche Nanopore Chip provides a lot of information that needs careful examination. It's important to figure out its size and costs.
The sensor module of the chip can be reused over 10 times, which could be cost-effective.
There is a lot of potential in the technology, and understanding it fully will take some time.

Microarrays: What are they for?

36 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Microbiology Research Methods Market Analysis

Microarrays are often seen as an alternative to sequencing, but some argue sequencing is generally a better option for many applications. It's important to consider these viewpoints when discussing the technologies.
The microarray market is stable, worth around $1 billion, with platforms like Illumina's Beadarray holding a significant share. This indicates that there is still a solid demand for microarray technology.
Reassessing biases about technologies like microarrays can help us understand their current relevance and future potential. It’s always a good idea to keep an open mind when evaluating scientific tools.

All The DNA Sequencing Companies

14 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Development Healthcare

There are many active DNA sequencing companies, and the list is always changing. Some companies that were once popular are now gone.
Significantly, more DNA sequencing companies are now based in China than before. The landscape has shifted with around 15 out of 40 companies being Chinese.
It's essential to stay updated about these companies as new ones emerge and old ones disappear. Sharing information can help keep track of these changes.

Another Nanopore: PolySeq

14 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Instruments

PolySeq is creating a new DNA/RNA sequencing tool similar to the Oxford Nanopore. It aims to improve how we sequence genetic materials.
The device weighs 1.5 kilograms and can handle 2560 wells or pores. This design helps it generate a lot of data in a short time.
PolySeq plans to produce 15 to 20 gigabytes of data in just 48 hours, making sequencing faster and more efficient.

Acorn Genetics

14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Nanotechnology Research Methods Innovation

Acorn Genetics is working on a new type of DNA sequencing technology. This technology promises to be fast, giving results in just minutes.
The platform aims to be affordable, costing less than $10,000, which could make it accessible to more users.
One of the cool features is that it won’t require any training to use, meaning anyone could operate it easily.

Genapsys Lawsuit!

21 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

💼 Business Lawsuits Finance Fraud Biotech Investment

A lawsuit is happening involving Genapsys, and it claims the company engaged in serious fraud. This includes manipulating scientific data and misleading investors about its technology and financial health.
The lawsuit highlights issues within the biotech industry, where some companies might exaggerate their capabilities or results. This has made investors more cautious and skeptical of bold claims.
Internal documents suggest the CEO directed employees to present false information during due diligence. This raises questions about trust and honesty in biotech business practices.

The Roche Nanopore Sequencer

43 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Biotech Medical Devices Genetics Research Innovation

The Roche Nanopore sequencer has impressive features like an 8 million sensor array and can process data really fast, but its chemistry isn't great.
It has better density and throughput than some models but still needs improvements to stand out against competitors, especially Oxford Nanopore.
Upcoming webinars will share more details, so it could be worthwhile to check them out if you're interested in this technology.

Roche: Where NGS Goes To Die...

21 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Biotechnology Genomics Research Health Innovation

Roche has a history of acquiring new technologies, like the 454 sequencer, but often fails to support them properly, leading to their demise.
Despite having potential with longer read capabilities, the 454 sequencer couldn't compete with faster competitors like Illumina, which changed market dynamics.
Roche's failed attempts to acquire Illumina show their struggle to keep up in the competitive NGS market, further damaging their reputation.

Anti-competitive Illumina

14 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

💼 Business Lobbying Legislation Competition Technology Healthcare

Illumina is lobbying the government to protect American genetic data, possibly in response to competition from China.
The Biosecure Act started being developed before Illumina faced a significant loss to a Chinese company in 2022.
Illumina spends a lot on lobbying, particularly about early cancer detection, but their focus has shifted over time.

The Ultima Genomics/Olink BioBank Deal

51 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25

🔬 Science Genomics Proteomics Biotechnology Research Health

Ultima Genomics has won a significant project with the UK Biobank to analyze 700,000 samples. This partnership is a major step for them in the field of proteomics.
Despite the project size, Ultima is expected to generate only $10 million to $20 million in revenue. This highlights the tough financial realities in the biotech industry.
To stay viable, Ultima needs to secure more large projects, as its costs are high. Achieving the necessary volume of work may be challenging given the current economic situation.

Roche Nanopore Expectation Management

29 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25

🔬 Science Genetics Sequencing Biotechnology Research Innovation

The Roche Nanopore sequencer is expected to generate useful sequence data, showcasing its potential in the market. This could help solidify nanopores as a valuable detection technology.
Accuracy is important for applications, but Roche is likely to compete on cost, which could make their technology appealing for various uses. Their position is good for future improvements.
Roche's innovations may lead to significant competition for existing sequencing methods, especially Illumina. The expectations suggest that this could reshape the sequencing landscape.

A Little More Roche Information...

21 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Health

Roche is developing a new nanopore sequencer, which is creating some buzz in the scientific community. People are eager to hear more about its features and capabilities.
Alex Dickinson shared his thoughts on Roche's new sequencer after a private briefing. His insights mostly echoed what is already known but added some new expectations for the upcoming announcement.
A few individuals, including the author, have decided to skip NDA previews, allowing them to speculate freely about the product. This has led to informal discussions and excitement about what might be revealed soon.

Law Enforcement And Genealogy Databases

7 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Privacy Rights Criminal Justice Data Access

Genealogy databases like GEDMatch can help law enforcement find suspects by connecting them to family trees using public DNA data. However, this process isn’t straightforward and can raise privacy concerns.
There are ongoing legal issues regarding how law enforcement accesses genetic data, especially when users haven't given clear permission. Some companies have provided access to data against users' wishes.
As the technology improves, it's likely that genetic databases will become more effective for solving crimes. This raises questions about privacy and the potential misuse of such powerful tools.

How To Respond To Roche

21 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Sequencing Biotech Innovation Industry Research

Roche's upcoming announcement could greatly change the DNA sequencing industry by introducing low-cost, high-output nanopore sequencing technology.
Even if the quality of Roche's sequencing isn't the best now, the high throughput they promise means they could outpace current methods and become competitive.
Current sequencing companies need to rethink their strategies quickly to stay relevant or they might risk being outmatched and going extinct in this evolving market.

NobleGen

7 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Nanotechnology Research Medical

Noblegen focused on an optical nanopore DNA sequencing method, but they are no longer active. This approach has been attempted multiple times with limited success.
They incorporated a technique where each DNA base is replaced with multiple bases to simplify detection, but there's not much strong evidence that this method works well.
The Noblegen Optipore method showed promise in development, but it was ultimately not adopted, reflecting the challenges in the field of DNA sequencing technology.

A Roche Nanopore History

21 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25

🔬 Science Biology Research Technology Innovation History

Nanopore sequencing has a rich history, starting back in 1998 with important patents that set the stage for modern techniques. It’s a fascinating story of innovation and scientific progress.
Lingvitae, founded by Preben Lexow, aimed to develop nanopore sequencing but faced funding challenges, affecting its ability to grow. This shows how essential money is for scientific advancements.
Stratos Genomics had a better funding situation and was able to pursue similar nanopore sequencing ideas, demonstrating different paths for startup success in the biotech field.

Illumina@JPM - More Clinical!

29 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Biotechnology Healthcare Technology Genomics Innovation

Illumina's revenue has been flat but they are focusing on clinical applications, now making up 56% of their market. This indicates a shift in strategy towards health-related services.
The company continues to reduce its cost per gigabyte of sequencing, although it remains higher than some competitors. They're positioning themselves to provide more value and insights rather than just cheaper sequencing.
Despite the competitive pressure on pricing, Illumina aims to deliver high-quality insights at a lower overall cost instead of racing to the bottom with pricing like some other vendors.

The Last Few Years In DNA Sequencing

14 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🔬 Science Genetics Technology Research Innovation Medicine

New companies have started making sequencers similar to Illumina's, which is a big step for the market. More choices mean users can find better prices and features.
The quality of data from these new sequencers is almost as good as Illumina's. This could force Illumina to lower its prices to stay competitive.
It looks like Illumina's profits have taken a hit due to this increased competition. It's important to keep an eye on how their financials change going forward.

Clinicians Hate NGS?

72 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24

🏥 Health Politics Genetics Healthcare Diagnostics Patient Advocacy

Many doctors are not keen on genetic tests because they believe the tests do not change how patients are treated. This attitude makes it hard for patients to get the tests they need.
It's not just about the cost of testing; the main issue is that doctors often don't like running tests if they feel there's no direct benefit to patients.
To improve the situation, we need to raise awareness among doctors and patients about the benefits of whole genome sequencing, especially for those with rare diseases. Grassroots efforts can help push for more understanding and acceptance of these tests.

Illumina Sequencers On The Internet

65 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Internet Security Data Privacy Cloud Computing

Many Illumina sequencers are publicly accessible on the internet, which is a security risk. It's important to check if your sequencer is securely configured.
About 15% of the sequencers tested had no user management enabled, allowing potentially unauthorized access. This means someone could view or even modify the data without permission.
Most of the exposed instruments were located in the US, including instances at UCSD. It's crucial for owners to ensure their devices are not left vulnerable online.

Illumina Sanctions

7 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

💼 Business Trade Finance Economics International Technology

Illumina might face sanctions in China due to trade tensions. This situation is unusual for a company focused on genetic technology.
Their revenue in China was only 7% of their total, which is about $75 million. It's important to note that this revenue has been decreasing since 2022.
Even with these potential sanctions, the overall impact on Illumina is expected to be minor. Their business in China isn't as significant as it may seem.

Oxford Nanopore JPM Presentation Thoughts

21 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25

💼 Business Finance Revenue Customers Growth Analysis

Oxford Nanopore is showing 31% revenue growth, but this excludes some major projects like the Emirati Genome Project and COVID-related work. This might not give a full picture of their earnings.
The company seems to rely heavily on a single new large customer for much of its revenue growth. This could be a risk if that customer changes or goes away.
Historically, large customers can disappear when their projects finish, meaning Oxford Nanopore needs a steady influx of new clients to maintain growth.

Oxford Nanopore Interim Results

21 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

💼 Business Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate News Tech Companies

Oxford Nanopore reported total revenue of £183.0 million in 2024. This shows the company is generating significant income.
The company’s performance is being compared to a steady growth rate of 12% from 2020 onward. This indicates they have been growing consistently.
The interim trading update was released before a major presentation, highlighting its importance for investors and stakeholders. This kind of update can be crucial in informing decision-making.

Can You Resell An Illumina Sequencer?

29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Biotechnology Legal issues Market Dynamics Consumer Rights Intellectual Property

Illumina has faced accusations of anti-competitive behavior, especially towards companies reselling their sequencers. They reportedly pressured customers with high fees to avoid sales from third parties.
The lawsuit between International Equipment Trading and Illumina ended in a settlement, leaving questions about legality unanswered. However, it appears Illumina has softened some of their policies regarding support for secondhand equipment.
There's an increasing number of used Illumina machines for sale online, often with their software removed. Users wanting to reinstall the software might need to contact Illumina for assistance and potentially pay for a service contract.

Year In Review - Illumina

36 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Biotech Innovation Market Trends Research Engineering

Illumina remains a leader in the market, even with rising competition. They have strong inventions that could help them grow even more.
The MiSeq i100 product has had mixed reviews, but it shows promise for improving clinical applications by integrating more processes.
The author has published nearly 200 articles this year, and while they appreciate their subscribers, they still seek more financial support to continue their work.

Oxford JPM Market Breakdown

14 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25

💰 Finance Market Analysis Investment Trends Stock Performance Financial reports

Oxford's market mostly focuses on research, making up over 80% of their business. This is different from Illumina, which has a bit more than 50% of its work in clinical areas.
There seems to be some confusion about how much applied research is included, as it may come from a service provider.
The information comes from a presentation at the JPM conference, which is aimed at understanding the different market sectors for these companies.

An AWS For Sequencing?

58 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Bioinformatics Data Analysis Cloud Computing Software Development Genetics

Bioinformatics companies often struggle to succeed on their own, but some are finding unique ways to add value by providing analysis of sequencing data from external service providers.
Just like how companies can use AWS for their server needs, the idea is to create an AWS-like platform specifically for DNA sequencing, making services easier and more accessible.
Building a platform for sequencing could lower barriers for businesses and encourage new applications in the field, opening up more opportunities for innovation.

Evaluating Startups

36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24

💼 Business Startups Investment Technology Market Analysis Entrepreneurship

Startups need to prove their technology works by showing that credible research supports their approach. If only their own team has evidence, that's a red flag.
External validation is important. When a trusted partner checks and confirms that the startup's work is real, it builds investor confidence.
Investors are often more focused on potential profits and selling their investment than on whether the startup is currently making money. They want to see if someone else would buy in based on the startup's promise.

QuantumSi Raises $50M

14 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

💼 Business Funding Startups Technology Innovation Investment

QuantumSi secured an extra $50 million in funding, which highlights investor interest in their innovative technology. This money is intended to help launch their new 'chip-less' sequencing approach.
The $50 million is a relatively small amount for developing a new sequencing platform, suggesting they might have already made significant progress. It's still unclear if this will be enough to compete successfully in the rapidly evolving field.
Key challenges remain, such as staying ahead of competitors working on optical methods. It's uncertain if their product will be compelling enough, making the upcoming developments closely watched.

Plasmidsaurus

7 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

💼 Business Biotech Startups Funding Services Technology

Plasmidsaurus aims to be the go-to for DNA sequencing services by 2025, offering faster and higher-quality results. They want biotech companies to rely on them instead of in-house services.
The company originated from a merger of two firms, SNPsaurus and Primordium Labs, both focused on plasmid sequencing. They started with competitive pricing and innovative approaches to attract customers.
Plasmidsaurus is reportedly generating significant revenue, with claims of over $40 million annually from their sequencing services, which includes a contract with Oxford Nanopore.

The CBot

14 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Gadgets Innovation Biotech Engineering Devices

The CBot is an important part of DNA sequencing, especially for older instruments like the HiSeq. It takes in samples and helps generate clusters, which are crucial for accurate DNA analysis.
Even though the HiSeq was discontinued, the technology in the CBot goes back many years, showing that some designs can last a long time in the field.
The CBot uses a unique fluidic system with a disposable manifold instead of a vacuum chuck, which makes it easier to handle but raises questions about why such a feature was needed.

Ultima Genomics

7 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25

🔬 Science Genomics Research Technology Healthcare Biotechnology

Ultima Genomics is making progress, but there are doubts about their ability to meet demand.
They have created a large dataset of 100 million cells with Vevo Therapeutics using new technology.
The community is actively discussing their projects and updates to stay informed.

PacBio@JPM - Tech Stuff

7 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Tech development Biotechnology Data Analysis Innovation Research

PacBio is working on high-density chips that can hold more information than before. This means they can process data faster and more efficiently.
The focus on ongoing technical development indicates that PacBio is trying to stay ahead in the biotech field. They are continuously improving their technology to meet market needs.
The information presented is part of a broader update at the JPM conference, showing that PacBio is committed to advancing their technology and sharing their progress with subscribers.

Year In Review - Everything Else!

14 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24

🔬 Science Genomics Sequencing Biotechnology

Clinical sequencing is becoming a major part of the medical field, especially in areas like oncology and genetic disease testing. However, many clinicians still find it challenging to use these new testing methods.
Protein sequencing is an emerging area with potential advancements on the horizon, particularly with new technologies like Nanopore. It's an exciting field that many are watching closely.
Single cell analysis remains a hot topic, but companies like 10X Genomics are facing challenges with growth and patent issues. There are still many experiments and innovations happening in this space.

Something Up At Oxford Nanopore?

29 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24

🔬 Science Biotechnology Research Innovation Investments Corporate News

There are rumors that Clive Brown might have left Oxford Nanopore, but it's not confirmed. It's important to check and verify such news before spreading it.
Investment opportunities for Oxford Nanopore were discussed earlier, suggesting potential growth for the company. Keeping an eye on funding can indicate how the company might progress.
The information shared is meant for paid subscribers, highlighting the value of the insights provided. Paid content often offers deeper analysis and exclusive news.