The completion of the human genome project has boosted the prospects for biotechnology companies. Although news of the break through had been widely expected, analysts say the final confirmation from the US has firmly put the focus on the sector.

The finalisation of the project will help these companies in the long term, making genes easier to come by as targets for new drug research. Furthermore, these companies can tweak existing gene research through reference to the completed genome map.

Analysts suggest the hype surrounding the genome project should help companies specialising in providing drug targets to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Investors who put money into Celera, the company which dazzled many in the scientific world this week with the announcement that it has achieved the greatest goal of modern biology, have enjoyed huge gains.