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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

Clinicians Hate NGS?

72 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Genetics Healthcare Diagnostics Patient Advocacy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

An AWS For Sequencing?

58 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Bioinformatics Data Analysis Cloud Computing Software Development Genetics
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Building a platform for sequencing could lower barriers for businesses and encourage new applications in the field, opening up more opportunities for innovation.

The Ultima Genomics/Olink BioBank Deal

51 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genomics Proteomics Biotechnology Research Health
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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: First Thoughts (Pt 1)

51 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Research Innovation Technology
  1. Roche Nanopore's new sequencing method shows really impressive early results, which builds confidence in its technology.
  2. The accuracy of their duplex sequencing is reportedly better than Illumina's, suggesting it could be useful for many different applications.
  3. More information will be shared soon, as there's ongoing discussion and a second post in the works.
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The Roche Nanopore Sequencer

43 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotech Medical Devices Genetics Research Innovation
  1. 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.
  2. It has better density and throughput than some models but still needs improvements to stand out against competitors, especially Oxford Nanopore.
  3. Upcoming webinars will share more details, so it could be worthwhile to check them out if you're interested in this technology.

Sequencing is Dead...?

36 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Diagnostics Genetics Patient rights Market Trends
  1. Getting standard diagnostic tests, like a CT scan, can be easy, but getting more complex tests, especially for specific conditions, can be very hard and take a long time.
  2. There's a noticeable difference in how quickly patients can access basic medical procedures versus advanced genetic testing, which can be frustrating.
  3. Investors seem unsure about the future of sequencing companies, especially since many of them are not making profits or showing much growth.

Year In Review - Illumina

36 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Biotech Innovation Market Trends Research Engineering
  1. Illumina remains a leader in the market, even with rising competition. They have strong inventions that could help them grow even more.
  2. The MiSeq i100 product has had mixed reviews, but it shows promise for improving clinical applications by integrating more processes.
  3. 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.

Evaluating Startups

36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Investment Technology Market Analysis Entrepreneurship
  1. 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.
  2. External validation is important. When a trusted partner checks and confirms that the startup's work is real, it builds investor confidence.
  3. 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.

Microarrays: What are they for?

36 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Microbiology Research Methods Market Analysis
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Roche Nanopore Expectation Management

29 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Sequencing Biotechnology Research Innovation
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Roche's innovations may lead to significant competition for existing sequencing methods, especially Illumina. The expectations suggest that this could reshape the sequencing landscape.

Announcing Biofound - Connecting Biotech Founders

29 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Networking Biotech Funding
  1. A new mailing list called Biofound has been started to connect biotech founders and people who want to help. It's a place for them to meet each other and collaborate.
  2. People can post about their startups if they're looking for co-founders, advisors, or technical help. You can even do this anonymously if you prefer.
  3. Unlike a previous list focused on funding, Biofound aims to facilitate general connections, helping people network beyond just seeking investment.

Can You Resell An Illumina Sequencer?

29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Legal issues Market Dynamics Consumer Rights Intellectual Property
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Illumina@JPM - More Clinical!

29 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Healthcare Technology Genomics Innovation
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Something Up At Oxford Nanopore?

29 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Research Innovation Investments Corporate News
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. The information shared is meant for paid subscribers, highlighting the value of the insights provided. Paid content often offers deeper analysis and exclusive news.

Oxford Nanopore Interim Results

21 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate News Tech Companies
  1. Oxford Nanopore reported total revenue of £183.0 million in 2024. This shows the company is generating significant income.
  2. The company’s performance is being compared to a steady growth rate of 12% from 2020 onward. This indicates they have been growing consistently.
  3. 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.

Roche: Where NGS Goes To Die...

21 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Genomics Research Health Innovation
  1. Roche has a history of acquiring new technologies, like the 454 sequencer, but often fails to support them properly, leading to their demise.
  2. Despite having potential with longer read capabilities, the 454 sequencer couldn't compete with faster competitors like Illumina, which changed market dynamics.
  3. Roche's failed attempts to acquire Illumina show their struggle to keep up in the competitive NGS market, further damaging their reputation.

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

21 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Medicine Research Technology
  1. 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.
  2. The new technology uses larger features which help boost throughput without needing complex techniques. This makes the process simpler and more efficient.
  3. 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.

LEX Diagnostics

21 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Healthcare Mergers Diagnostics Technology Regulation
  1. LEX Diagnostics is being acquired by QuidelOrtho for up to $140 million, suggesting they value its technology highly.
  2. QuidelOrtho's Savanna platform, their previous testing technology, faced problems and is being dropped, indicating quality concerns.
  3. Issues with the Savanna platform also included negative feedback from academic assessments, showing it may not have performed well in trials.

A Little More Roche Information...

21 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Health
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Protein Sequencing Companies In Review

21 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Research Genetics Innovation Health
  1. Protein sequencing is harder than DNA sequencing because it involves single molecules and many different amino acids, making detection tricky.
  2. Despite the challenges, protein sequencing is often about counting the same sequences many times, which might ease some of the technical demands.
  3. With advancements like nanopore technology, the future of protein sequencing could become more practical and efficient for researchers.

QuantumSi - Routes Forward

21 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Electronics Chemistry Data processing
  1. QuantumSi has recently laid off employees as they restructure due to poor sales. This is tough for those affected, and it's hoped they find new jobs soon.
  2. To reach billions of reads, QuantumSi is exploring chip reuse but it's tricky since they might need to clean the chip quickly and keep it working well after many uses.
  3. They are also looking at using multiple imaging regions to help with throughput instead of reusing chips, which could be a more practical solution for their counting goals.

Oxford Nanopore JPM Presentation Thoughts

21 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Revenue Customers Growth Analysis
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Historically, large customers can disappear when their projects finish, meaning Oxford Nanopore needs a steady influx of new clients to maintain growth.

Illumina's Roche Reaction

21 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
💼 Business Health tech Market Trends Corporate strategy Investments Innovation
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Overall, Illumina didn't provide clear answers to questions about their strategy, leaving some uncertainty about their future direction in the market.

The Unomr Serial Nanopore

21 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Startups Innovation Research Funding
  1. Unomr is a new company from ETH Zurich looking to raise between 2 to 3 million dollars. They have over 1 million dollars in grant funding so far.
  2. The company is developing a platform called 'serial nanopore' which seems to be focused on protein sequencing.
  3. Details on their technology are scarce, but it appears they are working on something innovative in the field of biotechnology.

Twist CEO Emily Leproust Supports Trump Tariffs

21 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Intellectual Property Economic Policy Biosecurity
  1. Twist CEO supports tariffs on DNA synthesis, arguing it protects intellectual property when companies send their DNA to competitors in China.
  2. The CEO believes non-domestic manufacturing is unfairly cheap, making it hard for American companies to compete, which plays into a broader political agenda around tariffs.
  3. Concerns about biosecurity and IP protection related to DNA synthesis are questioned, suggesting these arguments might be weak and focused on business interests.

PumpkinSeed Protein Sequencing

21 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Nanotechnology Data science Artificial Intelligence Startups
  1. PumpkinSeed is a startup focused on new protein sequencing technology. They use a method that analyzes light patterns to determine protein sequences without needing labels.
  2. The technology involves measuring the Raman spectra of peptides and using AI to interpret the data. This helps to figure out the order of amino acids in a protein.
  3. There's potential for the method, but questions remain about how easily it can be scaled for larger samples. The benefit and size of the market for this technology are still being evaluated.

Genapsys Lawsuit!

21 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Lawsuits Finance Fraud Biotech Investment
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Glyphic's Nanopores

21 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Research Innovation Health Science
  1. Glyphic has a new way to sequence proteins using nanopores, which is exciting for science. They have filed a patent for this method.
  2. They have shared more data with some investors, showing progress beyond what's in the patent.
  3. Despite their advancements, Glyphic hasn't talked much about their technology publicly yet.

How To Respond To Roche

21 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Sequencing Biotech Innovation Industry Research
  1. Roche's upcoming announcement could greatly change the DNA sequencing industry by introducing low-cost, high-output nanopore sequencing technology.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

A Roche Nanopore History

21 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology Research Technology Innovation History
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

The PacBio Vega - More Tech Details

21 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Biotechnology Research Instruments Computing
  1. The PacBio Vega is designed for small labs and minimizes downtime between runs. Users can load new samples while a run is ongoing, making it efficient.
  2. The technology in the Vega seems to be similar to the Revio but aims to reduce costs, likely making high-quality sequencing more accessible to small research centers.
  3. There's curiosity about how PacBio has managed to incorporate advanced computing power into a compact design, which is crucial for producing quality data without needing expensive equipment.

QuantumSi - Chips No More!

14 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Quantum Computing Bioengineering Investments Startups
  1. QuantumSi shared new information during their investor day, showcasing their advancements. They seem to be moving beyond traditional chips in their technology.
  2. The QuantumSi project is gaining attention, and many connections are being made in the community. It's a good time to get involved and learn more.
  3. Readers are encouraged to check out the investor day presentation for deeper insights into QuantumSi's direction. It might be useful for those interested in tech innovations.

The Roche Nanopore Chip

14 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Research Medicine Innovation
  1. The Roche Nanopore Chip provides a lot of information that needs careful examination. It's important to figure out its size and costs.
  2. The sensor module of the chip can be reused over 10 times, which could be cost-effective.
  3. There is a lot of potential in the technology, and understanding it fully will take some time.

Abrus Bio, Inc.

14 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Research Innovation Patents
  1. Abrus Bio is working on technology involving DNA sequencing for analysis. This means they are using DNA to read information, similar to what other companies are doing.
  2. There is a discussion happening in an online community about Abrus Bio, showing that there is interest and curiosity in their work.
  3. The author is researching patents related to Abrus Bio to understand more about their technology and innovations. This shows the importance of looking into legal documents to learn about new developments.

All The DNA Sequencing Companies

14 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Development Healthcare
  1. There are many active DNA sequencing companies, and the list is always changing. Some companies that were once popular are now gone.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Year In Review - Everything Else!

14 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genomics Sequencing Biotechnology
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Acorn Genetics

14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Nanotechnology Research Methods Innovation
  1. Acorn Genetics is working on a new type of DNA sequencing technology. This technology promises to be fast, giving results in just minutes.
  2. The platform aims to be affordable, costing less than $10,000, which could make it accessible to more users.
  3. One of the cool features is that it won’t require any training to use, meaning anyone could operate it easily.

Ion Torrent Proton Chip Manifold

14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Engineering Hardware Design Manufacturing
  1. The Ion Torrent Proton uses a unique chip manifold design that is quite intricate and beautiful. It seems it can't be made from a single piece; instead, it might need to be made in two parts and then joined together.
  2. The chip manifold's complexity showcases advanced engineering in its design and fabrication process. This attention to detail highlights the innovation in developing such technology.
  3. The information shared is for paid subscribers, indicating that there are exclusive insights available for those who support the content. It's a way to provide deeper knowledge to interested readers.

Anti-competitive Illumina

14 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Lobbying Legislation Competition Technology Healthcare
  1. Illumina is lobbying the government to protect American genetic data, possibly in response to competition from China.
  2. The Biosecure Act started being developed before Illumina faced a significant loss to a Chinese company in 2022.
  3. Illumina spends a lot on lobbying, particularly about early cancer detection, but their focus has shifted over time.