Swiss pharma and diagnostics giant Roche has launched its long-awaited Axelios gene sequencer, in a bid to challenge U.S. firm Illumina’s leadership in next-generation sequencing. The Axelios platform is designed to rapidly read and analyse DNA at scale, supporting applications from disease research to drug development.

Market Impact

Analysts say Roche’s entry is likely to be a gradual push for market share rather than a rapid disruption of the sector, which is valued at about $7.3 billion. Illumina remains the clear leader, with estimates putting its share of NGS systems at around 70%.

Roche said it aims to place about 100 machines in the first year, a target that will lay the foundation for a future “blockbuster” franchise generating over 1 billion Swiss francs ($1.1 billion) in annual sales over the long term.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.