Hitachi Software Engineering Co. plans to launch a next-generation DNA chip that promises to increase the speed and accuracy of the sequencing and mapping of the human genome, company officials said Friday.
Using printing technology provided by NGK Insulators Ltd., Hitachi Software's DNA chip, to be released in March, can quickly identify the effects of new drugs, and detect anthrax and other bacteria. It will be some 50 percent cheaper than currently available chips.
Hitachi Software plans to beef up its life science business by starting a comprehensive service involving the DNA chips for gene analysis.
Annual sales of the DNA chips are estimated at some 2.5 billion yen, the officials said.