Complete Genomics, a small biotech based in Mountain View,
California, started sequencing genomes in 2009, using a
technology that produced minimal errors in whole genome reads,
catching the attention of many members of the scientific
community. Despite this attention, the company suffered, losing
$72.3 million in 2011. Earlier this month (September 17), the
owner of the world’s largest sequencing facility, Chinese
company BGI, announced its decision to spend $117.6 million to
buy Complete Genomics’ shares and merge the two companies. The
buyout is being touted by researchers in the field as a welcome
rescue to an important genomics technology in a field of
dwindling choices. “Right now, Illumina would have a monopoly if
Complete Genomics went under,” Michael Snyder, director of the
Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, told
Nature. Such competition is critical to keeping prices low and
to ensure that the technology will continue to evolve, he added.
Instruments made by Illumina of San Diego