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Illumina Unveils Faster, Cheaper, 'Production Scale' Genome Sequencer

Analysis  |  By John Commins  
   October 04, 2022

Illumina's partners say they believe the company will continue to improve the speed and continue to lower the price.

San Diego-based Illumina, Inc., has launched a "production scale” sequencer that it claims can process human genomes in half a day for $200.

Illumina CEO Francis deSouza says the company's new NovaSeq™ X Series (NovaSeq X and NovaSeq X Plus) have the power to more-accurately sequence more than 20,000 genomes each year – which is twice the capacity of earlier sequencers -- and will "push the limits of what is possible with genomic medicine, enabling faster, more powerful, and more sustainable sequencing.”

"Today, we are forging a new path forward to advance more breakthroughs in cancer and genetic disease treatments, precision therapies, and pandemic preparedness," deSouza says.

"Innovations like NovaSeq X are at the heart of how we will transform patient lives, and this groundbreaking technology will empower researchers, scientists, and clinicians in the fight to diagnose, treat – and eventually cure – disease while making genomics more sustainable and accessible to millions more people around the world."

Along with speed and cost, Illumina – which controls about 80% of the global genome sequencing market -- says the NovaSeq X also reduces packaging waste and weight by 90% and cuts plastic use in half when compared to NovaSeq 6000. Ambient-temperature shipping of reagents will also eliminate the need for nearly 500 tons of dry ice each year and waste for customers. Illumina will begin to distribute the NovaSeq™ X Series machines in 2023

Illumina's partners say they believe the company will continue to improve the speed and continue to lower the price.

"We're very excited to be a launching partner for NovaSeq X Series. Macrogen always strives to become the champion of personal whole genome sequencing," said Professor Jeongsun Seo, Chairman of Macrogen, a Korean international sequencing services provider that uses Illumina technology.

"I strongly believe NovaSeq X Series will accelerate our path towards the $100 genome. This will enable us to deliver a genetic blueprint to everyone in the world to unlock individual potential and increase life quality."

“Today, we are forging a new path forward to advance more breakthroughs in cancer and genetic disease treatments, precision therapies, and pandemic preparedness.”

John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Along with speed and cost, Illumina – which controls about 80% of the global genome sequencing market -- says the NovaSeq X also reduces packaging waste and weight by 90% and cuts plastic use in half when compared to NovaSeq 6000.

Ambient-temperature shipping of reagents will also eliminate the need for nearly 500 tons of dry ice each year and waste for customers. Illumina will begin to distribute the NovaSeq™ X Series machines in 2023


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