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Human Genome Project
The makeup of the
genetic codes of humans, bacteria, viruses and other
organisms are of central concern to the scientific
and medical communities, as evidenced by the
dramatic progress of the Human Genome Project. The
sequence of the genetic code, and variations in it
between people and in drug-resistant forms of
bacteria and viruses, is of critical importance to
the medical and pharmaceutical communities.
It cost
about $300
million
working 24
hours a day for
9 months
to sequence the
first human
genome.
But now that it
is complete, the Human
Genome Project
has sparked a
new era in
genome analysis.
The release of
the "generic"
human genome has
given us a peek
at what makes
all humans
similar. The
next phase is to
understand what
makes us all
unique.
VisiGen Biotechnologies, Inc.
is developing a revolutionary approach for DNA sequencing
that will enable rapid, inexpensive whole genome sequencing. Imagine the possibilities that emerge from being able to sequence the entire human genome in less than a day, and for a cost of less than $1,000. Such a technology will open the door to a wide range of new applications, particularly for the purposes of assaying disease risk and monitoring therapy response in patients. The ability to diagnose the prospect of disease prior to onset will alleviate the complications associated with delayed treatment and dramatically transform the medical profession. What took a consortium of researchers working together for several years to complete may soon be accomplished by one person in less than a day with
a single molecule sequencing platform (SMS).
VisiGen is
developing the underlying technology and products to enable
this ultimate goal. Comprised of a real-time DNA
sequencing platform and proprietary consumables, VisiGen's®
products will make comprehensive genome and pathogen
analysis possible by offering customers substantial benefits
over current technology in terms of speed, quality, and
cost.
VisiGen Biotechnologies, Inc. is engineering DNA
polymerases and nucleoside triphosphates to
function as direct molecular sensors of DNA base
identity. Cutting-edge technologies, including
single-molecule detection, fluorescent molecule
chemistry, computational biochemistry, and
genetic engineering of biomolecules, are
combined to create this novel sequencing system.
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