Genomics Sequencing & Data Analysis: A Cost Timeline

Genomics sequencing and genomics data analysis are relatively new technologies. Although the discovery of DNA, the foundation of genomics, was published by Friedrich Miescher in 1871; researchers did not develop the first sequencing technique to sequence a complete genome until over 100 years later, in 1977. In 2003, 26 years later, the sequencing of the first human (reference) genome was completed. We have used this as the starting point of our genomics sequencing cost timeline, which you can find below. However, before we get to that, we have provided brief overviews of genomics, genomics sequencing and genomics data analysis.

What is genomics?

Genomics is a field of biology focusing on the study of genomes. A genome is the complete set of DNA of an organism (human or otherwise). Any research into the evolution, structure, function or editing of genomes comes under the umbrella of genomics.

What is genomics sequencing?

Genomics sequencing refers to methods of determining the entire DNA sequence of an organism’s genome. In simpler terms, it is determining the order of As, Ts, Cs and Gs that make up an organism’s DNA. A genomic sequence is depicted by a very long line of these letters arranged in a specific order. For example, an individual human genome consists of around 6 billion of these letters.

Methods of genomics sequencing include Clone by Clone and Whole-Genome Shotgun (WGS) Sequencing. WGS is a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) method. However, it is important to remember that not all NGS methods sequence the entire genome, it is only WGS which achieves this.

What is genomics data analysis?

Genomics data analysis refers to the computational and statistical methods used to interpret genomics data. For example, Fios Genomics bioinformaticians use such methods to pinpoint and decode the functional information contained in WGS data. In practice, this means that when a client provides us with WGS data, our bioinformaticians highlight and explain the biologically relevant parts of the data which will help the client to answer their research question.

Genomics Sequencing Cost Timeline

When was the first human genome sequenced?

As detailed in the timeline above, researchers completed the first reference human genome sequence in April 2003, at an estimated cost $450 million.

How much does it cost to sequence the human genome in 2022?

There has been a remarkable drop in the cost of human genome sequencing in the last 19 years.  Taking the latest estimate of $562 in 2021, we estimate that the cost for human genomic sequencing in 2022 will fall to under $500. This is a staggering decrease from the estimated cost of $450 million in 2003.

It is important to note however that ‘cost’ is not the same as ‘price’. So, although the cost estimate for human genome sequencing in 2022 is under $500, sequencing businesses will in all likelihood charge more than this in order to maintain a profitable business.

Why does genomics data analysis cost more than genomics sequencing?

As you will now know, the cost of genomics sequencing has plummeted in the last 20 years. This has mainly been due to the development of new technologies such as high-throughput sequencing machines which reduced time as well as costs. While high-throughput sequencing methods have had this positive impact on data generation, the analyses required for all the data generated has become more complex. This complexity increases analysis costs.

Also, with genomics sequencing, as the number of samples increases, the cost per sample goes down. However, this is not always the case for genomics data analysis. In fact, as datasets increase in size and complexity, storing and transferring data, as required for analysis, becomes more costly.

Genomics data analysis costs vary depending on factors such as data complexity and data type, and they differ from provider to provider. Differences in provider prices can be due to location and how accurate you require the analysis to be.

How much does genomics data analysis cost in 2022?

As explained above, genomics data analysis costs vary due a number of different factors. However, if you would like a tailored quote for data analysis for your specific project, please contact us. At Fios Genomics, we provide a wide range bioinformatics data analysis services.

Author: Breige McBride, Content and Social Media Manager, Fios Genomics
Reviewed by Fios Genomics Bioinformatics Experts to ensure accuracy

See also

Bioinformatics report example – your data explained

Using biobank data to reach your research goals

How to keep your bioinformatics projects hassle-free

Supporting biomarker discovery with bioinformatics (video)