Transforming the Future of Targeted Sequencing
Wasatch BioLabs (WBL) has taken a significant step forward in genomic analysis by entering into a co-marketing agreement with Agilent Technologies. This partnership highlights the growing importance of native, long-read sequencing technologies that streamline research processes while improving the overall quality of insights gained from genetic data.
Strategic Collaboration and Its Benefits
The co-marketing agreement allows these two innovative companies to leverage their strengths in genomic analysis. Agilent’s advanced enrichment chemistries, SureSelect for genomic DNA and Avida for cell-free DNA, perfectly complement Wasatch BioLabs' proprietary Oxford Nanopore-based workflows. This synergy aims to simplify access to scalable targeted multi-omic analysis, empowering researchers to usher in a new era of RUO (Research Use Only) and clinical applications.
Enhanced Capabilities for Custom Targeting
One of the standout features of this partnership is the combination of SureSelect and Avida. These technologies empower researchers by filling vital gaps in traditional sequencing methods. They allow for precise targeting of genomic regions up to 1 Mb without compromising native DNA characteristics such as methylation or structural variants. This precision is game-changing for areas like liquid biopsy, where understanding DNA at a granular level is crucial for accurate diagnostics.
Real-World Application in Diverse Research Fields
Researchers in fields such as oncology, neurology, and prenatal studies are already reporting remarkable outcomes using the Direct Targeted Methylation Sequencing (dTMS) platform. This platform enables comprehensive profiling of structural variations, repeat expansions, and methylation patterns, consolidating various analytical approaches into a streamlined assay.
Driving Innovation Through Partnership
Dean Lilley, Senior Director of Product Development at Wasatch BioLabs, emphasized the importance of scaling multi-omic biology to foster widespread adoption. He underscored how the collaboration ensures integrated insights into both genetic and epigenetic realms while maintaining rigorous standards of consistency and reliability, essential for high-throughput research that could transition into clinical settings.
Nina Green, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Clinical Diagnostics Division, highlighted how this partnership enhances operational flexibility for their customers. By offering high-quality Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data without imposing workflow barriers, Agilent and Wasatch aim to inspire confidence in genomic insights accessible at any scale.
Commitment to Continued Development
Under the terms of their agreement, both companies plan to collaborate on delivering educational programming, technology demonstrations, and scientific content, extending through 2027. This strategic alignment will likely accelerate the adoption of native-read targeted sequencing across various research sectors, fostering the development of cost-effective and relevant native-read assays.
Wasatch BioLabs is actively seeking additional partnerships to help integrate their targeted sequencing assay into broader research and development initiatives. They are currently inviting early adopters to participate in shaping future enhancements, ensuring these advancements meet the evolving needs of researchers.
About Wasatch BioLabs
Wasatch BioLabs, a subsidiary of Renew Biotechnologies, stands as the largest U.S. sequencing service provider specializing exclusively in long-read sequencing. Based in Salt Lake City, WBL possesses cutting-edge laboratories, robust quality systems, and high-throughput processing capacities, serving partners from BioPharma and Biotech to academic institutions with sequencing solutions across genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the partnership between Wasatch BioLabs and Agilent?
The partnership aims to advance native-read targeted sequencing technologies, enhancing research capabilities in genomic and epigenomic studies.
How does native-read sequencing differ from traditional methods?
Native-read sequencing preserves the original characteristics of DNA, avoiding biases and inaccuracies often introduced by conventional sequencing methods.
What specific technologies are involved in this collaboration?
The collaboration combines Agilent's SureSelect and Avida enrichment chemistries with Wasatch's Oxford Nanopore-based native-read workflows.
Which research fields can benefit from this new sequencing technology?
Fields such as oncology, neurology, rare disease, and prenatal research stand to gain significant insights from the advancements in targeted sequencing.
How can researchers become involved with Wasatch BioLabs' new platform?
Researchers are encouraged to collaborate and integrate the targeted sequencing assay into their projects, with opportunities for early access and influence on future enhancements.
