Illumina Introduces Multiple Breakthrough Sequencing Innovations at Inaugural Genomics Forum

Rhea-AI Summary

Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) introduced several groundbreaking sequencing technologies at the inaugural Illumina Genomics Forum in San Diego on Sept. 29, 2022. Key innovations include the NovaSeq™ 6000 Dx, the first FDA-registered high-throughput sequencer, enhancing patient care by increasing access to clinical genomics. The NovaSeq X Series can generate over 20,000 whole genomes annually, tripling throughput and minimizing environmental impact. The XLEAP-SBS™ Chemistry offers faster and more accurate sequencing, while upcoming products promise improved throughput and cost-efficiency in genomic research.

Positive

• Launch of NovaSeq 6000 Dx, enhancing clinical genomics with FDA registration.
• NovaSeq X Series can produce over 20,000 genomes per year, tripling throughput.
• XLEAP-SBS Chemistry increases sequencing speed and accuracy, fostering innovation.
• Strong environmental focus with reduced waste and shipping costs.

Negative

• Risks associated with launching new products, including manufacturing challenges.
• Reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components could pose operational risks.

New sequencing technologies and capabilities will accelerate the genomic discoveries and clinical insights needed to transform human health

Revolutionary NovaSeq X Series sets new benchmark for speed, scale, accuracy, and sustainability

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, today announced multiple breakthrough sequencing innovations at its inaugural Illumina Genomics Forum:

• The launch of NovaSeq™ 6000 Dx as the first FDA-registered and CE-marked in vitro diagnostic (IVD) high-throughput sequencer, delivering the highest standards of compliance and driving actionable insights for patient care. This technology expands the breadth of applications and clinical testing in countries that require IVD products, increasing access to clinical genomics with scalable throughput, while also achieving significant reductions in cost/Gb and total cost of ownership. NovaSeq 6000 Dx is an open platform, with RUO and IVD modes and a dedicated DRAGEN™ server, resulting in flexible, high-quality, automated data processing that will minimize the time and labor required to complete projects.

• Illumina® Complete Long-Reads, formerly known as Infinity, will accelerate access to the remaining 5% of genic regions with a scalable, high-throughput, low DNA-input long read technology. Further, the technology provides a complete and accurate representation of the genome at the single molecule level without needing a new platform. In addition, it offers contiguous long reads to close key gaps.
   
  Two products will be launched with full end-to-end workflows in 2023. The first product, currently in early access, is a whole-genome assay that uses long contiguous reads to further extend the coverage and completeness of our existing 30x genome. The second is an enrichment panel targeting only the difficult to map regions of the genome. When combined with the 30x genome on NovaSeq 6000 and NovaSeq X Series, the panel delivers a significant improvement in throughput and cost versus on-market long read technology for human whole-genome sequencing.

• The creation of XLEAP-SBS™ Chemistry, formerly referred to as Chemistry X, delivers fundamentally new sequencing by synthesis (SBS) chemistry engineered for increased speed, greater fidelity, and more robustness. With up to 2x faster incorporation speed up to 3x greater accuracy, and engineered for longer reads, XLEAP-SBS Chemistry opens incredible possibilities for the future Illumina roadmap and enables new thermostable reagents to support ambient-temperature shipping.

• With a current install base of more than 1,250 units, the NextSeq™ 1000/2000 Roadmap will deliver a new, higher output P4 flow cell and XLEAP-SBS Chemistry in early 2024. The addition of XLEAP-SBS chemistry and P4 flow cells, anticipated to generate 500Gb of output, will enhance sequencing capabilities, expanding application breadth of the platforms while lowering sequencing costs and improving performance. These kits will follow the forthcoming release of 2x300bp kits, which are currently in early access and scheduled to ship broadly later this year.

• NovaSeq X Series (NovaSeq X and NovaSeq X Plus), unveiled earlier today, ushers in the era of the genome with revolutionary new production-scale sequencers that will push the limits of what is possible with genomic medicine, enabling faster, more powerful, and more sustainable sequencing. Using revolutionary new technology, NovaSeq X Plus can generate more than 20,000 whole genomes per year – 2.5 times the throughput of prior sequencers – greatly accelerating genomic discovery and clinical insights, to understand disease and ultimately transform patient lives.
   
  NovaSeq X also utilizes groundbreaking innovations that significantly reduce waste and environmental impact, reflecting Illumina's commitment to using its technology to support the health of people and the planet. NovaSeq X features a 90% reduction in packaging waste and weight and a 50% reduction in plastic usage compared to NovaSeq 6000. The enablement of ambient-temperature shipping of reagents will result in nearly 500 tons of dry ice savings per year, while significantly reducing waste streams for our customers. More information can be found at illumina.com/novaseqx. 

"Today's announcement of NovaSeq X Series and Illumina's other breakthrough technologies is the culmination of more than five years of development, more than 40 patent filings, and the tenacity and talent of 1500 of the world's most brilliant scientists, engineers, developers, and designers on our team," said Francis deSouza, Illumina's Chief Executive Officer. "I'm thrilled to imagine how our customers, including scientists, researchers, and clinicians, will do more, discover more, and dream bigger as a result of these game-changing innovations. Together, we will usher in the era of the genome and transform human health."  

These announcements came on the second day of the inaugural Illumina Genomics Forum, which runs through October 1. For more information, please visit illuminagenomicsforum.com.

Use of forward-looking statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors to which our business is subject that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are: (i) challenges inherent in developing and launching new products and services, including modifying and scaling manufacturing operations, and reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components; (ii) our ability to manufacture robust instrumentation and consumables; and (iii) the acceptance by customers of our newly launched products, which may or may not meet our and their expectations, together with other factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update these forward-looking statements, to review or confirm analysts' expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current quarter.

About Illumina

Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Investors:
Salli Schwartz
858-291-6421
IR@illumina.com

Media:
David McAlpine
347-327-1336

Samantha Beal
714-227-2661
PR@illumina.com

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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key innovations announced by Illumina on Sept. 29, 2022?

Illumina announced the NovaSeq 6000 Dx and NovaSeq X Series, enhancing sequencing capabilities and environmental sustainability.

How does the NovaSeq X Series improve genomic sequencing?

The NovaSeq X Series can generate over 20,000 whole genomes annually, increasing throughput significantly.

What is the significance of the XLEAP-SBS Chemistry introduced by Illumina?

XLEAP-SBS Chemistry enhances sequencing speed and accuracy, paving the way for future advancements.

What are the environmental benefits of Illumina's new sequencing technologies?

The NovaSeq X Series reduces packaging waste by 90% and shipping-related CO2 emissions significantly.

What risks does Illumina face with its new product launches?

Challenges include manufacturing reliability and dependence on third-party suppliers.