After 10 months, PacBio chief commercial officer Michael Glynn resigns

Michael Glynn, who joined Pacific Biosciences of California less than a year ago, is stepping down as chief commercial officer. The Menlo Park company (NASDAQ: PACB) broke the news Friday in a one-sentence filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company did not say what prompted Glynn's resignation or hint at his personal plans.

PacBio adds Botstein to board, collaborates with Imec

Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. said Monday it has added David Botstein to its board of directors.
In addition, the company said it has a new multi-year research collaboration with the Belgium-based nanoelectrics research center imec. The companies are expected to develop advanced microchips for genetic analysis.

PacBio names Jonas Korlach chief scientific officer

Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. said Monday it has named Jonas Korlach as its new chief scientific officer.

The Menlo Park-based company(NASDAQ:PACB) provides genetic technologies, such as the PacBio RS, a genetic analyzer, to scientists.

New wave of Bay Area companies tame DNA data storm

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Andreas Sundquist is no medical doctor, but his expertise in electrical engineering and computer science places him and technologists like him on the cusp of solving some of the knottiest human medical problems.
Sundquist’s DNAnexus Inc. is one of at least a half-dozen young Bay Area companies using computational biology and genetics to unleash exabytes of stored genome sequencing data into everyday health care. By blending their computer algorithms and software with medical know-how, experts say, clouds full of cheaper and cheaper DNA data could rain down treatments and new drugs for previously mysterious and common medical conditions.
The burgeoning industry of genome analysis — at the intersection of the Bay Area’s high-tech and biotech expertise — could make some visionaries very rich. On the other hand, easy-to-use genetic data could turn today’s diagnostics industry upside down.
But to Sundquist and other pioneers, their companies’ value lies in volume and the ability to turn Big Data into big-time answers.
“You can argue that social networks are for rich kids, that Twitter is for value seekers,” Sundquist said. “But everybody has DNA.”

PacBio hires Michael Hunkapiller as Hugh Martin steps down as CEO

Pacific Biosciences President and CEO Hugh Martin stepped down and will be replaced by Michael Hunkapiller, the Menlo Park-based life sciences equipment maker said Friday.

Martin, a cancer survivor who led PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) through its $200 million initial public offering in October 2010, will remain on PacBio’s (NASDAQ: PACB) board through the company’s next annual shareholders meeting, the company said.

PacBio started shipping its next-generation DNA sequencing system in April, but in September laid off 130 employees after disappointing initial sales.

PacBio lays off 130

Pacific Biosciences of California laid off 130 employees, more than a quarter of its workforce, the company said Tuesday.
The Menlo Park developer of gene sequencing equipment (NASDAQ: PACB) said the moves will conserve cash as it tries to grow its customer base.
PacBio said it expects to end the third quarter with about $190 million.

Pacific Biosciences, Cycle Computing partner for DNA analysis in the cloud

Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. said Monday it has partnered with Cycle Computing LLC on DNA analysis technology in the cloud, or Internet. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.
The Menlo Park-based company (NASDAQ:PACB) specializes in Single Molecule Real Time sequencing products, and said demonstrations of the software are being presented this week at two industry-related conferences. A beta version of the technology is expected to be available by the end of 2011.

PacBio ships first DNA sequencing system

Pacific Biosciences of California Inc., the much-talked-about Menlo Park developer of a third-generation DNA sequencing machine, said it is shipping its first commercial product.
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) formally enters a fast-moving field that includes Life Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: LIFE) in Fremont. PacBio said, however, that its RS system puts results in the hands of researchers in less than a day, compared to a week with many sequencing machines on the market today.

Biotech IPO market off to busy start

PacBio: Targeting disease just a small sequence in time