SAN DIEGO - Illumina Wednesday announced that it will offer the sequencing of an individual's DNA for $48,000, a fee the San Diego-based biotechnology company says is the cheapest out there.
Through Illumina's so-called Personal Genome Sequencing Service, people can have their DNA sequenced at the company's laboratory and later get the data loaded on an iMac computer.
"We are entering a new era in genomic health, where information from an individual's genome will begin to inform lifestyle decisions and ultimately assist with health management," said Jay Flatley, Illumina's chief executive officer.
"We believe that in the long run, personal genome sequencing will become a routine practice and the information generated will enable physicians to make better health care decisions for the consumer."
The company plans to partner with other companies -- including 23andMe, deCODE Genetics, Knome and Navigenics -- for data analysis like the calculation of disease risk, ancestry and personal traits.
