DNA sequencing and array-based technologies company Illumina has launched the NovaSeq X Series of 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.
"Illumina has been a pioneer in genomics for more than two decades, and with this new sequencer, we are reinventing the genomics industry once again. Today, we are forging a new path forward to advance more breakthroughs in cancer and genetic disease treatments, precision therapies, and pandemic preparedness," said Francis deSouza, Illumina's Chief Executive Officer. "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."
With its NovaSeq X Series, Illumina has redesigned every dimension of its world-class sequencers to further increase speed, scale, accuracy, and sustainability. Highlights include:
- Launch of a fundamentally new sequencing by synthesis (SBS) chemistry, formerly known as Chemistry X – now known as XLEAP-SBS – engineered for 2x higher speed and up to 3x greater accuracy
- Development of our highest-resolution optics and ultra-high density flow cells, delivering 2.5x greater throughput while driving down sequencing costs
- Integration of on-board DRAGEN Bio-IT with ORA compression, enabling highly accurate and fully automated secondary analysis with 5x lossless data compression
- Creation of 15 new thermostable reagents, supporting ambient-temperature shipping, eliminating the need for dry ice and reducing waste.
"To propel life-saving discoveries and drive better patient outcomes at scale, we needed a new type of sequencer that could revolutionise genomics as we know it. This is why we set out to disrupt the status quo and build the technology from the ground-up, introducing fundamentally new chemistry, higher-resolution optics, ultra-dense flow cells, and more," said Alex Aravanis, Illumina's Chief Technology Officer. "With brand new chemistry and underlying hardware and software, along with the ability to combine genomics innovations on a single platform, NovaSeq X sets a new standard in sequencing technology, while enabling discoveries and patient outcomes we never thought possible."
NovaSeq X also significantly reduces 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 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.
For more information on NovaSeq X Series sequencers, please visit illumina.com/novaseqx.