Illumina: Focusing on the $20 Billion Genome Sequencing Market

Illumina (ILMN) is a unique biotechnology company with a focus on the $20 billion genome sequencing market.

The above diagram shows the commercial potential of the major branches across the genome sequencing market. The shaded portions in the diagram indicate the current estimated market penetration percentages.

Genome changes are responsible for transforming a normal cell into a cancerous cell. Illumina works in collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to identify these changes and develop targeted therapies for patients. With major biotechnology companies such as Amgen (AMGN), Biogen (BIIB), and Gilead Sciences (GILD) increasing their focus on the $100 billion oncology market, the demand for Illumina’s services is expected to rise significantly.

Illumina’s core business is life sciences. Laboratory researchers in medical research centers, universities, government institutions, and pharmaceutical companies are Illumina’s main users. The company’s products are also used in agrigenomics to identify desirable traits in plants and livestock. Genetic research can lead to better agricultural output.

Illumina products are also used in reproductive healthcare to avoid miscarriages and failures in other pregnancy-related therapies. These products can also help to identify genetic abnormalities in the fetus.

In addition to these well-established markets, Illumina’s exploring other opportunities such as transplant diagnostics to evaluate donor and patient compatibility, forensic genomics to investigate criminal cases, and consumer genomics to reveal family trees.

You can get exposure to Illumina’s strong genome sequencing portfolio yet reduce company-specific risks by investing in the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). Illumina accounts for 4.09% of its total holdings.