What $2500 Can Buy in DNA Services

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted April 9, 2008 in DNA Products, DNA Testing

Genetic testing continues to get cheaper but not to the extent where everyone can afford every DNA service they have their heart set on. But that’s life, isn’t it?

My mom used to equate everything with the cost of pizzas as in “this pair of shoes could get you three large pizzas!” In that vein, let’s see how much $2500 can get you in the personal genomics marketplace.

$2500 can buy you:

• One Navigenics Health Compass membership - initiation and one year subscription
• Ten years of Navigenics annual subscription fees at $250 each year after initial purchase
• Two 23andMe accounts at $999 USD each with $502 to spare
• Two deCODEme accounts at $985 USD each with $530 to spare
• Twelve General Interest Panels of genetic tests from DNA Traits at $199 each with $112 to spare
• Seven alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency genetic tests at DNA Direct at $330 each with $190 to spare
• 0.71% of a $350,000 whole genome sequence from Knome
• Two Gene Essence genetic tests from BioMarker Pharmaceuticals at $1195 each with $110 to spare
• Two 1-working day express service DNA paternity tests from DNA Diagnostics Center at $995 each with $510 to spare
• Sixteen HairDX genetic tests at $149 each with $116 to spare
• Eight Suracell “DNA Based Age Management” DNA tests (via Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute) at $300 each with $100 to spare
• Twelve Advanced Paternal Lineage Test (Y-chromosome 46) from DNA.Ancestry.com at $199 each with $112 to spare
• Four DNA11 DNA art portraits at $525 each with $400 to spare.

Of course, looking at price alone isn’t a fair comparison since each company above provides vastly different services and genetic information to their customers from genetic genealogy to art to single disease testing to whole genome sequencing. Cost is a factor, however, in most consumers’ purchasing decisions so it’s interesting to see how prices stack up.

What would you do with $2500?

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BioMarker Pharmaceuticals Launches the Gene Essence Test

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted March 31, 2008 in DNA Products, DNA Testing

Personal genomics customers can’t complain that there’s no competition in the marketplace. San Jose, California-based company BioMarker Pharmaceuticals has launched the Gene Essence test that sounds like another genome scan service.

Based on recent advances in DNA analysis technology, the Gene Essence(TM) test provides customers with personalized genetic information that is unique to each individual. The web-based service enables customers to learn which inherited traits they may have acquired and provides individuals with access to the latest research results in the rapidly expanding field of genome analysis. Customers can learn how the genetic markers in their genomes relate to a large number of health-related conditions which have been published in peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Dr. Ivan Labat, Sr. Director of Research and Product Development, claims the Gene Essence test is “the most comprehensive personalized genetic test available.” That may be but I can’t find the product on the BioMarker Pharmaceuticals website so even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t know how to order it!

Other products offered by BioMarker Pharmaceuticals include aging intervention technologies incorporating nutraceuticals BM-A1 and BM-A2, “proprietary herbal combination formulas.” The company is also doing research into calorie restriction.

NB: I’ve emailed the company for more info.

Update: I missed the Gene Essence website in the press release - http://GeneEssence.com (the site seems to take a long time to load in Firefox).

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DNA Auction: UK DNA Double Helix Coin

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted January 24, 2008 in DNA on Auction

The £2 coin from the UK you see on the left was minted in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of James Watson and Francis Crick’s discovery of DNA’s double helix . It was designed by sculptor John Mills. This DNA coin is now available on e-Bay UK for a starting bid of £0.99. Auction ends on January 27, 2008 at 21:26 GMT.

(>> Start a discussion!)

Applied DNA Sciences - Technology for Anti-Counterfeit and Security

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted January 23, 2008 in DNA Products, DNA and the Law

Earlier this month, I had some fun with a sign that I saw on Queensway in London, UK. It claimed that the neighborhood was safer because they were marking property with DNA. Perhaps they were referring to the SigNature Program from Applied DNA Sciences.

Applied DNA Sciences uses DNA markers from botanical sources. They rearrange the markers into unique encrypted sequences then embed the DNA onto consumer products that need to be protected, including drug tablets and capsules, banknote threads, holograms, artwork, and collectibles. The company claims that the markers embedded in indelible SigNature DNA ink is safe to consume.

There are varying levels of product verification:

• A SigNature DNA Encryption Pen can be used to detect the presence of their proprietary overt ink.
• An instant reader can be used to detect DNA.
• Portable PCR machines can produce “absolute authentication” in less than 30 minutes.
• Forensic-level, authenticated PCR.

PCR DNA amplification is performed using specific primers that can only be synthesized if the unique encrypted DNA sequence is known.

Applied DNA Sciences states that false positives occur in less than 1 in 1 trillion cases and can authenticate at levels acceptable for forensic use. The SigNature Program is effective against counterfeiting, product diversion, piracy, fraud and identity theft.

NB: More about DNA marking of property in the UK at UK Crime Prevention.

HT: Trish

(>> Start a discussion!)

Google Gulp Takes a Picture of Your Genetic Profile

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted December 28, 2007 in DNA Products

Too much salty food this holiday season has made me perpetually thirsty. When I typed [thirst quenching drink] into Google, the first result I got was one for ‘Google Gulp (BETA)™ with Auto-Drink™ (LIMITED RELEASE), a line of "smart drinks" designed to maximize your surfing efficiency by making you more intelligent, and less thirsty.’

Think a DNA scanner embedded in the lip of your bottle reading all 3 gigabytes of your base pair genetic data in a fraction of a second, fine-tuning your individual hormonal cocktail in real time using our patented Auto-Drink™ technology, and slamming a truckload of electrolytic neurotransmitter smart-drug stimulants past the blood-brain barrier to achieve maximum optimization of your soon-to-be-grateful cerebral cortex.

Sounds like the perfect drink! The only way you can get a bottle of Google Gulp is by turning in a Gulp cap to any local retailer. Looks like I’ll have to hit up my sister for one.

(>> Start a discussion!)

Just In Time for Christmas - More DNA Art

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted December 17, 2007 in DNA Products

One of the most unique gifts you can give this Christmas is DNA art. One new option in this growing market is Cell Portraits founded by molecular biologist Dr. Phil Fisette. His multicolor DNA prints are created from a 1000X magnification of chromosomes contained in white cells. Customers give two to three drops of their blood which is then incubated in cell-growth medium for about five days.

Dr. Fisette stains the white blood cells and uses a microscope to look for a display of chromosomes suitable for immortalizing on canvas or paper. Customers can choose the colors they prefer and a sample proof is emailed for approval before final printing. Prices range from $250 to $500.

If I were running a consumer genomics company, I would offer Cell Portraits or other complementary services to my customers. DNA holds so much meaning and promise that any early adopter of personal genomics would appreciate having a gorgeous and tangible representation of their genetic past, present, and future.

via Wisconsin State Journal

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, cell portraits, philip fisette, dna art, art

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Crazy Genetic Marketing Ideas

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted December 14, 2007 in DNA Fun, DNA Products, DNA Testing

Less than three weeks until the start of 2008 and everyone’s making their final marketing push. Genetic services companies are not exempt.

Boston-based dating service, ScientificMatch.com , uses a “patent-pending technology” that analyzes DNA having to do with the immune system to find a match who:

• Smells good to you (but probably not to me)
• Has complementary genetic material to yours so you can produce healthier children (unless you feed them McDonald’s every day and smoke around them)
• Is so good in bed that you’ll wonder if a good sex life is in your DNA

Not to be topped by DNA-induced, euphoric love, the much maligned Genebase DNA Ancestry Project claims that Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer has joined their online networking community where you can email, post photos and messages, and join his network. You can even send an electronic postcard that shows that human HVR-1 mtDNA is 65% similar to Reindeer mtDNA. I guess Genebase thinks going goofy will somehow boost their credibility.

deCODE Genetics thought stirring the pot would keep the spotlight on them too. This past week, they put out the word that Dr. James Watson has 16 times the number of African-origin gene than the average white European (see this post for background about Dr. James Watson’s comments about race and intelligence). John Hawks said it best :

I mean, what is the purpose really of spreading a news story that Watson may be 1/16 African, without adding the context of how common this degree of genetic mixture has been in American history in particular, and between populations generally? Why would a geneticist working with humans not realize the ethical problem?

Personally, I’m pretty worn out after the excitement of the past few weeks and months. Great advances have been made in the field of personal genomics but we’re still taking things step-by-step. What may seem to have happened overnight is actually the culmination of years of hard work. And as 2007 draws to a close, we have more years of hard work ahead of us.

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, personal genomics, genomics, genebase, dna ancestry project, decode genetics, scientific match, dating

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DNA Direct Launches DNA Archive for Home DNA Storage

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted December 4, 2007 in DNA Products

With advances in genetic technology happening faster than any of us ever expected*, now is the time to start storing DNA from your family members and yourself. Blaine at The Genetic Genealogist gives five reasons to save your grandmother’s DNA and now DNA Direct is making it easier than ever to store personal DNA. DNA Archive is a revolutionary method for home DNA storage that allows you to store your personal DNA at room temperature and in any location you wish, e.g., at home, safe deposit box, etc.

I hope you’ll find the press release for the launch of DNA Archive informative (it’s the first one I’ve ever written!).

DNA Direct Launches DNA Archive(TM), a Revolutionary Method for Home DNA Storage
Preserving genetic history for the future

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — DNA Direct today announced the launch of DNA Archive(TM), a revolutionary method for storing personal DNA. DNA Direct will offer the state-of-the-art storage technology, developed by Biomatrica, direct to consumers to enable them to store DNA in the safety and privacy of their own home, safe deposit box, or any other location of their choosing.

“Genetic technology is advancing so quickly that storing DNA for the future is the smart thing to do,” explains Ryan Phelan, CEO of DNA Direct. “As more sophisticated testing increasingly becomes available, we can use stored DNA to gain valuable insights into our family’s medical history. Storing our own, our parents’, or our grandparents’ DNA using DNA Archive(TM) preserves our genetic history for the future.”

How DNA Archive(TM) Works

DNA Archive(TM) is secure, convenient and at $175, an affordable way to store DNA. A simple, painless cheek swab sample is mailed to the laboratory for extraction. The DNA is dried using SampleMatrix(R), a synthetic medium that “shrink wraps” DNA. The preserved DNA is delivered in lab-quality tubes and UV-resistant packaging for safe, stable storage.

DNA Archive(TM) samples can be reconstituted by any lab using only a few drops of water. Each sample contains ample DNA to perform currently available genetic testing for clinical genetics, identity, or ancestry. Three samples of DNA are included in each DNA Archive(TM) kit, so that DNA can be stored in multiple locations.

Unlike other DNA banking services, DNA Archive(TM) does not require yearly maintenance fees for freezing and off-site storage. DNA Archive(TM) samples can be kept at room temperature in any dry location. Customers will find peace of mind knowing a family member’s DNA is safe and within their reach.

Why store your DNA?

There are a number of reasons people from all walks of life are choosing to store their DNA. Storing DNA is a good way to prepare for the future when genetic testing becomes more affordable, new genes are discovered, and genetic technologies continue to advance and bring new medical insight.

Stored DNA can be used to:

• Understand your family’s medical history
• Understand your inherited physical characteristics
• Understand your family tree

How to order DNA Archive(TM)

Individuals can purchase DNA Archive(TM) at the DNA Direct website at www.dnadirect.com. For more information about SampleMatrix(R), visit the Biomatrica website at www.biomatrica.com.

About DNA Direct

DNA Direct is a privately held San Francisco company offering personalized, confidential medical genetic testing, consumer genetics, and genetic counseling. www.dnadirect.com.

About Biomatrica

Biomatrica, The Biostability Company, provides innovative and reliable storage solutions for laboratories managing and processing biological samples. Current products preserve DNA and RNA at room temperature, as well as sample management software. www.biomatrica.com

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*George Church is now in the running for the Archon Genomics X Prize and thinks he can cut whole genome sequencing costs down to $1000 sometime in 2008. This would be an amazing achievement indeed particularly in regards to how it would affect the personal genome sequencing company he co-founded, Knome. (For more, see my interview with Knome CEO Jorge Conde.)

Update: Lisa Lee at DNA Direct Talk has more about DNA Archive.

Tags: dna direct, dna archive, dna storage, dna banking, genetics, genes, dna, biomatrica, samplematrix, george church, archon genomics x prize, genome sequencing, knome

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DNA Network Members Discuss Personal Genomics Service Providers 23andMe, deCODEme, and Navigenics

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted November 20, 2007 in DNA Products, DNA Testing

What’s so special about 23andMe, deCODEme, and Navigenics? What makes them stand out of the crowd? After all, DNA testing is nothing new. The company I work for, DNA Direct, has been offering consumers a whole slate of different tests for several years complete with genetic counseling and informative reports.

What makes the latest entrants into the field of personal genomics interesting:

1. Whole genome SNP analysis vs specific, single, limited number of gene variants
2. Interactive, fun websites that are meant to be always up-to-date with the latest information and enable you to make contact with others who have similar genetic profiles
3. A combination of genetic genealogy with human genetics
4. 23andMe and deCODEme de-emphasize their involvement in medical genetics with deCODEme claiming that the information they give you is not meant to help you make “medical decisions.”
5. Strong PR push which is especially important for companies that operate only on the Internet
6. Investors with deep pockets

While I understand the excitement surrounding the launch of these companies (mainly engineered by the media), I don’t get why we should be any more excited by their offerings than by what’s already available on the market.

First of all, I’m not all that interested in what kind of gene causes my sticky ear wax because as Kathy Hudson, founder and director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center, pointed out, we’ve got q-tips for that. Info on the genes encoding my boring brown eyes can’t be all that interesting either.

Secondly, what am I supposed to do with the knowledge that certain SNPs in my genome are associated with an increased risk in complex diseases such as heart disease, etc.? Common sense tells me that everyone should be eating less fat and exercising more. That’s the commons sense part of prevention. As for treatment, if I needed it, my cholesterol and blood pressure, along with other biomarkers, would have given me away already. And, isn’t this kind of gene-disease information at the heart of nutrigenomic companies like Sciona and Suracell (for more info, see my interview with Suracell Chief Information Officer Derek Hornby) except that Sciona doesn’t sell nutritional supplements like Suracell?

Thirdly, if you’re an early adopter of whole genome scan technology, you should be aware that the data you get on your genealogy won’t be very different than other companies that offer genetic genealogy services at substantially lower prices ($1,000 for whole genome scan vs a couple hundred dollars for genealogy DNA testing alone). Also, the SNP approach employed by these companies may yield different results than the STR marker and mtDNA sequencing analyses used by others. In fact, if you’re looking to fill in your family tree/ancestry by making connections with other people of the same genetic profile, you may have to wait some time for the company database to accrue enough data from a sufficient number of customers. There are also many people who are interested in genetic genealogy but don’t want to know anything about genes that might predispose them to disease. DNA can be fun and scary.

On top of all this, remember that personal genomics doesn’t necessarily mean individualized genomics. DNA from you and other customers is analyzed using the same chip and the information you get is the same as any other customer with your SNP genotype and family history. As far as I can tell, there are no follow-up analyses beyond what the company offers on these microarray chips so if, for example, you have a SNP in the BRCA gene for breast and ovarian cancer that is linked to increase risk, you’re on your own in selecting which other genetic testing company or health service for further genetic testing.

But don’t just listen to me, DNA Network members are definitely the ones to turn to for commentary on the developing field of personal genomics.

• Sandra Porter at Discovering Biology in a Digital World - Step right up, get your very own DNA profile only $999
• David Hamilton at VentureBeat Life Sciences - 23andMe: Will the personal-genomics company need Big Pharma to make money?
• Ricardo Vidal at My Biotech Life - 23andMe uses the new gold standard from DNA Genotek
• Ramunas Janavicius at Cancer Genetics - deCODE’ing Predisposition to Cancer
• Deepak Singh at business|bytes|genes|molecules - Your personal health: Social networking XY.0 revisited and some killer video
• Blaine Bettinger at The Genetic Genealogist - 23andMe Launches Their Personal Genome Service
• Lisa Lee at DNA Direct Talk - deCODEme: First “Genetic Scan” Launches
• Steve Murphy at Gene Sherpas - Staying Positive
• Bertalan Mesko at ScienceRoll - Personalized Genetics: It has begun!
• Thomas at The Seven Stones - Personal genomics for a fistful of dollars

Also, please welcome new DNA Network members Yann Klimentidis, Eric Olivares, and Deepak Singh. We now number 38 in the Network!

NB: Proving that The Issue is up-to-date on the issues of the day, The Genetic Revolution was the subject of discussion earlier this week with posts from Gene Sherpa, The Genetic Genealogist, Little Blue Pill, and Eye on DNA.

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, navigenics, 23andme, decodeme, personal genomics, health, medicine

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Get Your Personal Genome Decoded Here

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted November 18, 2007 in DNA Products, DNA Testing

The shutters are up, the neon open sign is lit, and the cash register has been polished. Personal genomics is open for business:

• 23andMe
• deCODEme
• Knome
• Navigenics (not quite but almost)

Where else can you get your personal genome “decoded”*?

I’m technically supposed to be taking a break (what is the meaning of that word anyway?!) so I’ll continue brewing my comments for now. Until then, check out the following for more:

• Thomas Goetz at Wired and Epidemix
• Amy Harmon at The New York Times
• Jonathan Eisen at The Tree of Life
• New DNA Network member Deepak Singh at business|bytes|genes|molecules
• Kevin Kelly in KK’s lifestream

If you’ve signed up for one of these services or are planning to do so, let us know why in the comments!

*These companies offer whole or partial genome sequencing and/or genomewide SNP analysis.

Photo: Gene pool: Your jeans in a petri dish from Wellcome Images under Creative Commons

Tags: personal genome, 23andme, knome, navigenics, decodeme, genomics, genetics, genes, dna

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