Roche buys 'disruptive' nanopore genome sequencing tech firm Genia

Roche may have been thwarted when it tried to acquire genome sequencing leader Illumina, but is now betting on a promising earlier-stage technology with the acquisition of Genia Technologies. The deal, worth $125m upfront in cash, plus milestones of up to $225m, gives Roche a gateway into the emerging nanopore sequencing segment – the method is expected to “reduce the price of sequencing while increasing speed and sensitivity.”