10x Genomics Seeks to Take Larger Piece of Genomics Market

With the genomics market slated to be worth $24 billion in the next five years, 10x Genomics is moving forward with plans to boost its offerings in the space. The Pleasanton, CA-based firm said it is acquiring Epinomics, a specialist in the growing epigenetics space, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will give 10x Genomics ATAC-seq technology and fundamental IP to accelerate discoveries and further research in epigenomics, paving the way for a new understanding of disease, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Epinomics’ ATAC-seq technology is an approach to measure and understand the epigenome.

“Our goal is to accelerate science and enable our customers to see biology they could not see before,” Serge Saxonov, CEO and co-founder of 10x Genomics said in a release. “[The] acquisition gives us a strong team, IP and technology that has been enthusiastically validated by customers. It provides a foundation for powerful new products and positions us well to become the leader in epigenomics.”

Menlo Park, CA-based Epinomics was founded in 2013, just a year after 10x Genomics was launched.

According to its website, Epinomics decodes the programming of the genome to drive personalized medicine, using big data analytics and proprietary epigenomics technologies to impact drug development and clinical applications.

“With Epinomics joining 10x Genomics, single cell epigenetics will now be available to a broader base of investigators across academic and commercial organizations,” Howard Chang, professor of Dermatology and Genetics at Stanford University School of Medicine, co-inventor of ATAC-seq and a scientific co-founder of Epinomics, said in a release. “The innovations coming out of this acquisition will propel the genomics field forward.”