Illumina Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Synaffix has entered into a licensing agreement with Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) for its metal-free click chemistry technology. The agreement grants Illumina access to Synaffix's patented technology for use in next-generation sequencing (NGS) products.

Synaffix's technology utilizes a bicyclononyne (BCN) probe for metal-free click chemistry, primarily known for creating antibody-drug conjugates in cancer treatment. This licensing deal represents an expansion of the technology's applications into the diagnostics and sequencing field, aiming to make whole-genome sequencing more accessible.

A comprehensive study by Illumina, Providence, and Microsoft Research demonstrates that a 523-gene comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) panel significantly improves cancer treatment outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology - Oncology Practice, analyzed 3,216 patients with advanced cancers. Key findings show that 67% of tumors contained actionable mutations using CGP, compared to 33% with a 50-gene panel. Patients receiving precision therapy based on CGP results showed median survival of 25 months versus 17 months for those on chemotherapy alone. The panel identified actionable variations in 52% of patients, qualifying them for targeted or immune therapy.

Illumina announced the upcoming release of TruSight Oncology 500 v2 (TSO 500 v2), an enhanced version of its cancer research assay for comprehensive genomic profiling, planned for mid-2025. The new version features faster turnaround time, improved coverage, and includes the Myriad Genomic Instability Score for all samples. Key improvements include 50% less packaging, 70% fewer tubes, and better usability. The assay will be compatible with multiple platforms and offer integrated data analysis through DRAGEN and other solutions. Early access feedback from UC San Diego highlights the assay's improved workflow and lower DNA/RNA input requirements.

Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) announced that its executives will participate in two upcoming investor conferences. The first is the Wolfe Research 2024 Healthcare Conference on November 20, 2024, featuring a fireside chat at 6:20am Pacific Time (9:20am Eastern Time). The second is the 7th Annual Evercore HealthCONx Conference on December 3, 2024, with a fireside chat at 10:20am Pacific Time (1:20pm Eastern Time).

The webcasts for these events will be available through the Investor Info section of Illumina's website at investor.illumina.com. Replays will be posted after each event and will be accessible for at least 30 days following the live broadcasts.

Illumina (ILMN) reported Q3 2024 Core revenue of $1.1 billion, down 2% year-over-year. The company posted GAAP operating margin of 68.6% and non-GAAP operating margin of 22.6%. GAAP diluted EPS was $4.03, while non-GAAP diluted EPS reached $1.14. Due to constrained macroeconomic conditions, Illumina lowered its fiscal year 2024 Core revenue guidance to decline ~3% from 2023, expecting Q4 2024 revenue of ~$1.07 billion. However, the company raised its fiscal year 2024 Core non-GAAP operating margin guidance to 21-21.5% and non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to $4.05-$4.15.

Illumina concluded its global 'Steps Against Cancer' campaign, running from September 29 to October 27. The company served as presenting sponsor for the Making Strides Against Cancer event in San Diego on October 28, where Chief Commercial Officer Everett Cunningham spoke about the company's dedication to oncology innovation. The campaign included multiple worldwide events, from Singapore's Race Against Cancer to educational sessions in England, engaging hundreds of employees who participated in 5K walks, fundraisers, and awareness activities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative aligns with Illumina's corporate social responsibility focus on community engagement and their commitment to advancing preventive healthcare and personalized medicine.

Illumina announced upcoming presentations of key innovations at the American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting. The company will showcase its new constellation mapped read technology, designed to streamline whole-genome workflows and deliver more comprehensive genomic insights. Early access will begin in first half 2025.

The company will also present updates on Illumina Protein Prep, a proteomics solution launching in early 2025 capable of identifying 9000 unique human proteins, and PIPseq V, a single-cell analysis solution. Additionally, Illumina will release 25B 100-cycle and 200-cycle kits for the NovaSeq X Series by year-end.

Population genomics programs are expanding globally as nations seek to understand their populations' genetic variations. While early studies like UK Biobank were largely Eurocentric, new initiatives are emerging worldwide to address genetic diversity gaps. Countries including Thailand, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Australia, Singapore, Turkey, and Nigeria are launching sequencing programs to gain population-specific insights and develop their genomics infrastructure.

These programs aim to drive precision medicine and economic development by creating biotech clusters, generating jobs, and attracting international talent and investment. Pharmaceutical companies are particularly interested as genomically-informed drugs are reportedly more likely to reach the market and less expensive to develop.

Illumina has unveiled its MiSeq i100 Series of sequencing systems, designed to make next-generation sequencing (NGS) more accessible. The new benchtop instruments, MiSeq i100 and MiSeq i100 Plus Systems, offer unparalleled speed and simplicity for labs.

Key features include:

• Room-temperature reagent storage and shipping
• 85% reduction in packaging waste
• Run times as fast as four hours
• Cost-effective consumables
• 18 proven end-to-end workflows across 10 applications
• Simplified operations for various experience levels

The MiSeq i100 Series builds on the legacy of the original MiSeq System, incorporating technology from the NovaSeq X Series. It offers flexible output capabilities, with the MiSeq i100 Plus System providing 100 million single-end reads per run, and the MiSeq i100 System offering 25 million.

Early access testing has received positive feedback from customers, highlighting the instrument's speed, flexibility, and ease of use. The MiSeq i100 will be available globally in 2025.