NGS App-Enabling Up-Front Molecular Biology

[BClan13]

I am interested in advances in up-front molecular biology that could enable the use of NGS outside the domain of traditional "genomics" such as:

1. Immunoassays on NGS using immuno-PCR / barcoding methods
2. Using NGS for high throughput screening
3. Detecting cholesterol or other "clinical chemistry" analytes with NGS

Questions:
1. How realistic / far away are these applications?

2. Who is pushing this technology forward today (i.e. who are the thought leaders, technology developers and IP holders)?

3. In your opinion, how valuable would these applications be (what unmet needs could be met)?

p.s. I should mention that I have a professional interest in this area; I work for a management consultancy that does regular work with emerging and established companies in healthcare and life sciences. My hope is that the community may provide some validation that there are real medium to long term opportunities in these areas. This would essentially help me get permission from my boss to assess these opportunities more thoroughly

[ECO]

I am interested in advances in up-front molecular biology that could enable the use of NGS outside the domain of traditional "genomics" such as:

1. Immunoassays on NGS using immuno-PCR / barcoding methods
2. Using NGS for high throughput screening
3. Detecting cholesterol or other "clinical chemistry" analytes with NGS

Questions:
1. How realistic / far away are these applications?

2. Who is pushing this technology forward today (i.e. who are the thought leaders, technology developers and IP holders)?

3. In your opinion, how valuable would these applications be (what unmet needs could be met)?

This sounds remarkably like either market research or a homework assignment....just as a piece of advice, the community is always more responsive to those who are up front about their goals and affiliations.