Yahoo Finance Pacific Biosciences (PACB)-RCIGM Tie Up for Sequencing Research
Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. PACB, popularly known as PacBio, recently partnered with Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine (“RCIGM”) for a research related to whole-genome sequencing. The study aims to identify potential disease-causing genetic variants and increase the solve rates of rare diseases.
For investors’ note, the study (which is currently underway) is focused on long-read whole-genome sequencing of rare disease cases for which prior short-read whole-genome and exome sequencing provided no answer. The study was able to detect variants that were not identified by short-read sequencing (“SRS”). Among the variants detected, around 37 were missense mutations in known disease genes.
The latest research collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen PacBio’s global genetic analysis business.
Rationale Behind the Collaboration
Per estimates, there are approximately 25 million Americans currently affected by a rare and often undiagnosed genetic condition. In studies into rare diseases, conventional techniques for whole-genome and whole-exome analysis are based on SRS. This typically leads to identification of a causal variant in few cases (less than 50%).
However, PacBio’s Single Molecule, Real-Time or SMRT Sequencing technology can be utilized to generate highly accurate long-reads, known as HiFi reads. Clinical researchers have established that disease-causing structural and small variants can be detected using the SMRT Sequencing technology, which were missed by short-read sequencing platforms. The study has been developed to assess the rate at which HiFi sequencing detects overlooked causal variations.
The latest research is expected to provide additional insight into the identification of potential disease-causing genetic variants in children. Notably, this patient pool includes children who do not receive a diagnosis with current sequencing methods, but are potentially suffering from genetic diseases as understood from their symptoms.
Per PacBio’s management, the latest research collaboration with RCIGM is likely to use HiFi Sequencing data on some of the most difficult cases of rare pediatric disease, thereby providing insights to end the diagnostic journeys of such children.
Industry Prospects
Per a report by Research And Markets published on GlobeNewswire, the global whole-genome and exome sequencing market was valued at $497.1 million in 2018 and is projected to grow over $7,303 million by 2029 at a CAGR of approximately 26.9%. Factors like rising prevalence of genetic disorders and various types of cancer are expected to drive the market.
Given the market potential, the collaboration seems to have been timed well.
Notable Developments
PacBio has been witnessing a slew of developments across its business over the past few months.
The company, in April, reported solid revenues in the first quarter of 2021 where it placed 41 Sequel II/IIe systems. During the first quarter, PacBio confirmed deploying Sequel IIe systems at Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings LH or LabCorp to scale the latter’s capabilities to sequence SARS-CoV-2.
The same month, PacBio announced the availability of HiFi Sequencing and Software v10.1 Release on the Sequel II and Sequel IIe Systems.
In February, the company announced that Children’s Mercy Kansas City has increased its investment in HiFi sequencing with four new Sequel IIe Systems to add to its two existing Sequel IIe Systems.
Price Performance
Shares of the company have gained a massive 923.8% in the past year compared with the industry’s 21.6% rise and S&P 500’s 40.7% growth.
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Zacks Rank & Key Picks
Currently, PacBio carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
A couple of better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Veeva Systems Inc. VEEV and National Vision Holdings, Inc. EYE.
Veeva Systems’ long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 15.8%. The company presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
National Vision’s long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 23%. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.
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