In 2000, the stunning scientific achievement of sequencing the 3.2 billion base pairs of the human genome spearheaded a new era of genomic medicine. We now have a tremendous opportunity to understand how disease develops at the molecular level, and how we can more precisely detect, prevent and treat disease according to the individual’s genomic profile. Rapid and inexpensive genomic sequencing technology is required to advance this new field of personalized medicine — The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics will make this a reality.
How the Archon X Prize for Genomics Will Impact Each of Us:
With libraries of genomic sequences of many different people, researchers will be able to:
- Fully understand the blueprint of life — the genome factor
- Practice preventive medicine to keep you healthy
- Identify individual susceptibility to disease
- Identify the subtle variations in genes that contribute to major diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, mental illness, asthma, Alzheimer’s and others
- Develop targeted drugs that are specific and effective, and avoid side effects and drug resistance
- Determine effective therapies based on an individual’s genomic profile
It took Dr. J. Craig Venter $100 million and nine months to sequence his own genome in 2000. Today, it still costs millions of dollars and takes many months to sequence an individual’s genome. Having one or even 100 genomes sequenced is scientifically interesting, but it is only when we are able to sequence tens-of-thousands or millions of genomes that we achieve radical breakthroughs in medicine.
The Time is Right for the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics
Since James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953, scientists have understood the genome's great potential.
By issuing this challenge, the X PRIZE Foundation will incite a revolution in the field of science and medicine. The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics will draw maverick entrepreneurs and geniuses to invent radically new processes to affordably sequence human genomes, and usher in the new era of personalized medicine.
Join the Revolution
The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics would not be possible without the generous contribution of our title sponsors and benefactors, Dr. Stewart Blusson and Mrs. Marilyn Blusson.
