Monday 8 May 2017

Dante Labs offers whole genome sequencing to European market for €850


A new biotech start-up by the name of Dante Labs is joining a growing number of companies who are offering whole genome sequencing at ever more competitive prices. Dante is a global company based in the US but with an office in Italy. They are catering specifically for the European market and are offering a high-coverage (30x) whole genome sequencing test with interpretation for €850 (about £718 or US $929 at current exchange rates). Customers can have access to their raw data on request.

It is not clear what is provided with the Dante Laboratories interpretation service. There are no sample reports available on the website and no details are provided of the scientific personnel who will be doing the analysis.

Many of the companies selling whole genome sequencing tests (eg, Veritas Genetics and Sure Genomics) only sell their test in the US and require the customer to order through a doctor whereas the test from Dante is available direct to the consumer. There are two companies  Full Genomes Corporation and YSEQ  which sell whole genome testing worldwide for the genetic genealogy market. Both companies specialise in the interpretation of Y-chromosome results and do not provide medical reports.

For details of other companies offering whole genome sequencing see the list of DNA testing companies in the ISOGG Wiki.

Below is the press release I received from Dante Labs.
Dante Labs offers EUR 850 Whole Genome Sequencing 
THE INTERNATIONAL BIOTECH COMPANY OFFERS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE WORLD WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING AND INTERPRETATION AT ONLY EUR 850, MARKING A HISTORIC STEP IN THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF GENETICS. 
New York, NY April 18, 2017 – Dante Labs today announced that they are offering 
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and interpretation at only EUR 850 (ca. $900). While American individuals were able to access whole genome sequencing at $1,000, this innovation marks the first time Europeans can access whole genome sequencing below EUR 1,000. 
The sequencing includes bioinformatics analysis and interpretation, which are crucial to leverage genetic information and apply it into decisions about disease monitoring, prevention, nutrition, exercise, health monitoring and more. 
The Whole Genome Sequencing is run at 30X, which makes the achievement even more impressive. 
Dante Labs has chosen a selected list of partners to develop DNA sequencing services “accessible to everyone”. “By leveraging only the world’s best genetic technologies, we ensure that our customers have access to the best in the world of genetics,” says Dante Labs co-founder Andrea Riposati. “Genetics has seen tremendous developments in the last decade. Just think that the first whole genome sequencing cost north of $2.4 billion. For too long, only few people could benefit from the impact of genetic research. It’s healthcare, so I say it is important everyone benefits from it. The key to empower everyone with high-quality, advanced genetics it is to decrease the price. By integrating in the value chain, removing unnecessary intermediaries, developing synergies with strategic partners and leveraging economies of scale, we are able to offer the whole genome sequencing at only EUR 850.” 
Dante Labs offers a suite of direct-to-consumer DNA tests, including BRCA1 and BRAC2 sequencing, Whole Exome Sequencing and Common Hereditary Cancer. 
About Dante Labs
Founded in 2016, Dante Labs is a global pioneer in developing direct-to-consumer genetic services. The company mission is to empower people with knowledge and insights about their own genetic information so that they can live healthy, long and happy lives. Dante Labs has offices in the US and Europe.

3 comments:

dB said...

Would whole-genome testing be overkill (3 billion base pairs) for genetic genealogy purposes?

dB said...

Would whole-genome testin (3 billion base pairs) be of any use over current 700,000 bp testing for genetic genealogy purposes?

Debbie Kennett said...

At the moment you wouldn't be able to use whole genome sequencing for genetic genealogy. The whole point of testing is so that you can compare results with other people who've tested at the same level. There is currently no database where you can look for WGS matches. I'm sure that will eventually come but it's likely to be a few years away yet.

You do get a Y-chromosome sequence with the whole genome sequence test which could be used to complement any Y-STR testing you've had done. You would be able to get a BAM file analysis from YFull or Full Genomes.