A new genome-sequencing machine from IonTorrent,adivisionofLifeTechnologies Corp. located in Connecticut, is 1,000 times more powerful than existing technology and is close to offering a read-out of a person’s complete genetic information for only $1,000. Taking up about as much space as an office printer, it can sequence an entire genome in a single day rather than six to eight weeks required only a few years ago. Ion Torrent will sell the tabletop machine, called the Ion Proton Sequencer, for $99,000 to $149,000, making it affordable for large medical practices or clinics; existing sequencers cost up to $750,000. The company has signed on Baylor College of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, and the Broad Institute as its first customers.
