Summary

Genomics is the study of an organism’s genes, including their interactions with each other and the environment. Advances in genomics are mainly focused on genome sequencing technologies since it’s the first step towards personalized solutions. Any genomics solution pipeline is composed of three parts: sequencing (hardware), analysis (software), and creating a personalized solution (clinical). Although it is a significant determinant of any physiological fate of an organism, it provides richer insights when united together with other information about the organism, such as metabolism. It is argued that multi-omics approaches will be the key to personal diagnosis and treatment plans.

Viability (4) Technical viability

Genome sequencing is fast and cheap (dropped to $600 from $10K in 10 years), it is accessible in developed states, and devices are smaller for point of care solutions. Clinicians can now profile the disease to find the best therapy. SaaS tools have been launched to analyze the genome in real-time. However, extracting meaningful information is not easy, science risk presents here. Clinical studies limit the potential to a particular set of diseases, but clinical studies are expected to expand in size and diversity.

Drivers (5)

The personalized medicine approach is the primary driver for genomic technologies because it’s the first step to designing personal therapies. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) devices have paved the way for cheaper and faster solutions, making clinical adoption compelling. Developments in big data analysis and machine learning push the field because analyzing the genome is an essential part of personalized medicine.

Novelty (5)

Reading and analyzing the genome allows i. detecting anomalies earlier, ii. treating diseases with personal drugs/therapies, iii. extending the healthy lifespan, iv. lowering expenditures in healthcare by avoiding unnecessary operations. Fast, cheap, portable sequencing devices pave the way for various applications: i. ecological surveillance, ii. point-of-care solutions for low resource settings. Reading the genome allows for genetic predictions.

Diffusion (3)

Genome sequencing has already diffused in developed states, e.g., several companies provide consumer genomics solutions in US & Europe. Platforms for large-scale genomic operations (wet lab and software) are under development. Barriers are present here in the clinical use of genomic datasets because we have limited information about the genetic makeup of most common diseases. Although it is a scientific barrier, it does not prevent the creation of commercial solutions such as CAR T-cell therapy.

Impact (5) High certainty

The genomics market is expected to reach >$100B by 2030 since it’s an enabler technology for many more solutions in medical practice. Genomics drives a huge equity market, including cell/gene therapies, targeted drugs, and gene editing, expected to reach $3Tr by 2030. The genomic revolution will lead a dramatic value creation; however, over-diagnosis is still widely discussed. In my view, genomics will reach its true potential with multi-omics approaches.

Timing (2020-2025) Medium certainty

$100B market by 2030 with 19% CAGR. There is a diversity among the TRL levels of technologies listed under genomics. NGS is investable in 2020-2025, multi-omics solutions are investable in 2025-2030, and solutions of systems medicine (personal therapies) are investable in 2030+.