Shares of Bionano Genomics (BNGO) has risen 1,700% this month on a possible investment by Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest.
Rumors came as an ARK Invest analyst, Simon Barnett on Twitter tweeted that he would like to talk to Bionano’s CEO Erik Holmlin. Investors are expecting this to lead to a possible investment in the company by ARK Invest.
Bionano Genomics publishes positive data on autism study
The company announced today the publication in the Journal of Personalized Medicine by Lineagen, its CLIA certified diagnostic services subsidiary, of an analysis of Professor Temple Grandin’s genome in one of the most comprehensive evaluations of a single genome of a high functioning individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Through use of the Lineagen’s suite of genetic tests customized for individuals with ASD and other disorders of childhood development, including FirstStepDx PLUS chromosomal microarray, NextStepDx PLUS whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing, the study identified novel variants in known ASD risk genes and other genetic variants important to her health and wellness.
Despite Dr. Grandin’s high level of functioning and acute awareness of how her ASD manifests, these findings have led to improved clinical management of many of her symptoms.
Dr. Grandin was diagnosed with ASD during childhood and was non-verbal until age 3. She avoided physical touch and had difficulties with social interactions as an adolescent, yet she was able to develop a career as a world-renowned PhD scientist, authored books entitled “The Autistic Brain” and “Thinking in Pictures” and was named one of the top 10 college professors by CEOWORLD Magazine. In addition to having ASD, she has experienced a lifelong history of feeling heat and pain (specifically in her feet), insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks and is missing several teeth but elected to forego dental implants.
Lineagen’s genome analysis identified sequence variants in three ASD risk genes, one of which was initially discovered and validated by Lineagen, and structural variants in other neurodevelopmental genes that, while not considered diagnostic on their own, in combination could explain her ASD and related health conditions.
Additionally, pathogenic variants were found in genes that explain her symptoms of pain (familial Mediterranean fever) and missing teeth (ectodermal dysplasia). Her decision to forego dental implants was, in retrospect, the right one given the bone weakness caused by ectodermal dysplasia. Analysis of pharmacogenetic genes found her to have a slow metabolism of many drugs, including Warfarin, which meant that her prescriptions and dosage had to be adjusted. Without such critical information, there could have been significant bleeding-related issues during surgery.
Should you buy Bionano Genomics (BNGO)?
In my opinion, Bionano Genomics looks like a good long term hold. The company could work well with Pacific Biosciences.
Another stock I highly recommend looking at is Novan and Ocugen.
