China and the genome revolution

Since listing on the Shenzhen stock exchange last July, its price has multiplied many times over and it is now the second most-valuable stock listed on any Chinese stock exchange.
There are many reasons for this. BGI is one of the top global manufacturers of genome-sequencing equipment, owning about half the world’s gene-sequencing machines. Its leadership in genetic sequencing is well earned. 
Originally a national institute at Peking University, it was the first institute in the world to map the complete genetic makeup of a human being. Thanks to breakthroughs such as this and their very efficient manufacturing process, the cost of sequencing a human genome has now fallen to around US$1,000 (Bt31,000).
This is of phenomenal importance given the potential of using genome sequencing to transform medicine, such as customising treatments to suit specific genetic traits and developing new, highly customised drugs against specific viruses. In addition to providing this kind of precision medicine, gene editing can be used for anti-ageing treatment and to prevent the development of genetic diseases. Accordingly, the Chinese genetic testing is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world and is expected to grow by nearly 40 per cent every year for the next five years. In addition to the huge Chinese market, BGI services are now available in more than 60 countries.
One thing which will keep BGI on its toes is the fierce competition from other Chinese companies such as iCarbonX, which is using AI technologies in genetic data analysis, and Direct Genomics, a third-generation DNA sequencer. The CEO of Direct Genomics, He Jiankul, claims it can sequence samples of human genomes in less than 30 minutes, with 99.7 per cent accuracy. In addition to human genetics, BGI is also working in animal and plant genetics, developing massive gene banks, and exploring many different applications for food and agriculture. We can be sure that these developments in China will revolutionise all our lives in the future.

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