Illumina, Inc. ILMN has advanced genomic research with the recent release of DRAGEN v4.3. This is the latest version of the company’s DRAGEN line of software.
This new publication marks a significant advance in the field of next-generation sequencing (NGS), featuring an advanced multigenomic mapping technology. This innovation allows the inclusion of 128 samples from 26 different backgrounds, thus capturing a wider spectrum of genetic diversity and reducing ancestry bias.
The ability to create custom DRAGEN multigenome references in the Illumina cloud further empowers researchers to tailor their studies with improved accuracy and precision.
DRAGEN v4.3 in detail
One of the most prominent features of DRAGEN v4.3 is its machine learning mosaic model, which improves the detection of low allele frequency variants. This skill is especially valuable in translational and research environments, where accuracy is essential.
Furthermore, the introduction of a new family of specialized callers enables comprehensive genotyping of challenging genes in regions of segmental duplication. This innovation is essential for applications such as hereditary cancer screening and newborn screening, where accurate genetic analysis can significantly impact patient outcomes.
AI-powered annotations and enhanced data compression
DRAGEN v4.3 also includes AI-powered annotations through its updated Connected Annotations engine. Using advanced algorithms such as SpliceAI and PrimateAI-3D, the software can now reduce variants of unknown significance, thus providing clearer and more actionable insights from genetic data. Additionally, extending the lossless ORA compression functionality to support human methylation and non-human data enhances data management capabilities, providing high compression ratios without sacrificing data integrity.
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Impact on clinical research
Broad Clinical Labs systematic research on the accuracy of variant calls made by DRAGEN v4.3 highlights the reliability and speed of the software. The laboratory’s findings underscore the potential of DRAGEN v4.3 to revolutionize whole-genome clinical research, providing a powerful tool for accurate and efficient genomic analysis.
Market Perspectives
According to a Nova One Advisor report published in BioSpace, the global NGS market size was estimated at $9.19 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $66.04 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 21.8%.
Stock price performance
Year-to-date, Illumina shares are down 19.1% compared to the industry’s decline of 5.6%.
Zacks Rank and Top Pick
Illumina carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) currently.
Some of the top-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are His and her health HIS Medpace MEDP and ResMed RMD. While Hims & Hers Health and Medpace have a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), ResMed currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can be seen Complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
Shares in Hims & Hers Heath have risen 143.8% in the past year. Estimates for the company’s earnings have remained constant at 18 cents for 2024 and have risen 3.1% to 33 cents for 2025 in the last 30 days.
HIMS earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, giving an average surprise of 79.2%. In its last reported quarter, it posted a 150% earnings surprise.
Medpace’s 2024 earnings per share estimates have risen to $11.29 from $11.23 in the past 30 days. The company’s shares are up 81.4% in the past year compared to the industry’s 4.2% increase.
MEDP’s revenue beat estimates in each of the following four quarters, the average surprise being 12.8%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an earnings surprise of 30.6%.
Estimates for ResMed’s fiscal 2024 earnings per share have remained constant at $7.70 in the past 30 days. The company’s shares have fallen 2.1% in the past year versus an industry gain of 3.9%.
RMD earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, the average surprise being 2.8%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an earnings surprise of 10.9%.
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