May 6, 2013 | Digital Pathology, Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Because of isolation from the worldwide DNA pool for the past 1,200 years, Faroese population is vulnerable to recessive gene disorders
Because of the dramatic—and still falling—cost of DNA sequencing, an ambitious project is launching with the goal of sequencing the full DNA of all 50,000 residents of the Faroe Islands. When completed, this project has the potential to reshape molecular diagnostics and clinical laboratory testing.
FarGen is the name of this effort and pathologists and clinical laboratory managers will want to follow its progress. Organizers of this unique effort expect that it will speed up the use of personalized medicine in mainstream medicine. This tiny, self-governing Danish land, located between Iceland and Norway, is moving forward with plans to decipher complete DNA sequences for every one of its 50,000 citizens. (more…)
Apr 17, 2013 | Laboratory Hiring & Human Resources, Laboratory News, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Pathology, Laboratory Sales and Marketing, Management & Operations
Multi-billion-dollar mega-deal positions Thermo Fisher to offer a broader spectrum of gene sequencing systems to clinical laboratories and pathology groups
Earlier this week, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., (NYSE: TMO) of Waltham, Massachusetts, announced a deal that will shake up the market for next-generation gene sequencing and genetic testing. It will acquire Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) of Carlsbad, California.
More IVD Industry Consolidation That Affects Clinical Laboratories
It is another example of consolidation involving two companies that sell products to the clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology sectors of the lab medicine marketplace. It is also a multi-billion dollar transaction. Thermo Fisher will pay $13.6 billion for Life Technologies, or $76 per share, according to a Reuters report. This amount represents an 11.7% premium over the $68 price per share of Life Technologies’ stock when trading began Monday morning. (more…)
Nov 23, 2012 | Laboratory Hiring & Human Resources, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Hot competition for genetic testing market share is a signal to medical laboratories to ramp up their molecular and genetic testing capabilities
Financial analysts see something of an “old west” style shootout on the horizon for genetic testing in the clinical laboratory testing market. Market leaders in next-generation gene sequencing are prepared to use acquisitions to build dominant shares in a gene testing market that experts say could hit $25 billion by 2022.
Reporters at Bloomberg Businessweek believe that San Diego-based Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) is girding up to take on industry giant Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX). Both Illumina and Life Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:LIFE) are buying up smaller players in the gene testing market.
These two market leaders in DNA sequencing equipment have played important roles in revolutionizing genetic testing. Now, they intend to stake out a share of the fast-growing genetic diagnostics market themselves, a recent Businessweek story reported. (more…)
Aug 20, 2012 | Laboratory Hiring & Human Resources, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Roche is refocusing its resources as it works to rebalance its businesses in pharmaceuticals and clinical laboratory testing
Roche Diagnostics is pumping $300 million into its North American headquarters in Indianapolis. At the same time, the Roche research and development campus in Nutley, New Jersey will be closed. Collectively both actions are a sign of the company’s confidence in the growth prospects for clinical laboratory testing, molecular diagnostics, and genetic testing.
Many pathologists are aware that Roche Diagnostics has experienced rapid year-over-year growth in its molecular diagnostics business. The company wants to expand its facilities to support further growth in this sector. (more…)
Sep 28, 2011 | Digital Pathology, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Many in the clinical laboratory and pathology industry will hold their breath as Myriad seeks to derail gene patent challenge by attacking standing of sole remaining plaintiff
There’s news regarding the widely-watched federal lawsuit that challenges the gene patents owned by Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN). On September 13, a Federal Circuit panel denied the ACLU’s Petition for Rehearing in this case. Clinical laboratory managers and pathologists following this controversial lawsuit will be interested in this latest development.
Since early this year, there have ongoing legal maneuvers by both sides in this case, which is officially titled: Association for Molecular Pathology, et al v. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office et al. 09-civ-4515. It is a high profile lawsuit because of its potential to establish important new legal precedents in how and when genes may be patented. (more…)
