The Motley Fool's Brian Orelli this week calls genome sequencing "the world's best innovation that isn't worth investing in." Orelli says that he sees "little reason to invest in the genome sequencing industry," particularly because "what's great for the end users isn't necessarily great for those producing the tools."
Orelli argues that while there are several potential applications for it, "genome sequencing will settle into a niche business after the impetus of initial sequencing." To Orelli's mind, though, most of those potential applications "are one-and-done."
He points to the shelved Roche/Illumina takeover deal as an example of how it it has been difficult to figure out the value of the genome sequencing market.
"Roche was interested in purchasing Illumina, but only at a certain price, which I take as a sign that the health-care giant is conservative about the long-term potential of one of the world's best innovations," Orelli says. "Investors should follow suit."
On Twitter, Motley Fool Managing Editor Brian Richard writes: "Genome sequencing: great for humankind, but buyer beware."