• Roche and Broad Labs team up to advance SBX sequencing tech.
• First project targets faster genome diagnosis for sick newborns.
• Plans include RNA sequencing for deeper disease insights.

The announcement of a strategic collaboration between Roche and Broad Clinical Labs to develop and pilot applications for the new Sequencing By Expansion (SBX) NGS technology suggests that this partnership aims to revolutionize clinical genomics and biomedical research, establishing SBX as a routine, scalable fast and accurate sequencing solution within the Broad Clinical Labs research community.

IMA will offer trio-based whole genome sequencing for critically ill newborns and their parents under its initial project environment with the goal of developing genomic sequencing into an everyday NICU diagnostic tool; and hence, timely diagnosis, more accurate, and better outcome of babies with suspected genetic disorders.

SBX technology offers great changes in speed, scale, and cost of sequencing suitable for time constrained and high throughput applications. Its flexible workflow can provide rapid deployment to both clinical and research settings.

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Apart from clinical genomics, this collaboration will also determine the utility of SBX in RNA sequencing, including bulk and single cell methods. Via its longer read capabilities, SBX is anticipated to yield novel molecular insights and assist in the discovery of therapeutic targets. Early adoption will be spearheaded by Broad Clinical Labs of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, further advancing the shared vision of both organizations for genomics-driven precision medicine.

Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics said, "The SBX technology was designed with both clinical impact and scientific discovery in mind, and offers the next-generation of fast, scalable sequencing solutions. Collaborating with Broad Clinical Labs, a leader in clinical genomics and omics research, accelerates our ability to deliver on that promise and support better outcomes for patients through cutting-edge genomic technology".

"Integrating the SBX technology into clinical and translational pipelines opens exciting new possibilities. Together with Roche, we’re aiming to demonstrate how fast, scalable, and high-quality sequencing can support both routine clinical care and drive biomedical innovation", added Niall Lennon, Chair and CSO at Broad Clinical Labs.