Roche Launches Platform to Advance Next-Generation Sequencing

Roche recently launched the AVENIO Edge System to advance next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.

Researchers can use the pre-analytical program for sequencing library preparation, target enrichment, and qualification steps that deliver integrated, end-to-end control with reliable results.

“Roche is committed to developing diagnostic solutions with the goal of providing the healthcare community with faster and more accurate medical information to predict risk and detect disease,” Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche, said in the announcement.

“We are pleased to offer next-generation sequencing laboratories and translational researchers the new automated AVENIO Edge System that aims to drastically reduce human error and help ensure fast, reliable and accurate results,” Schinecker continued.

The AVENIO Edge System offers ready-to-use components and customizable workflow parameters, making it a scalable, cost-efficient solution for sequencing laboratories seeking high performance and agility, a Roche spokesperson said.

The system offers a setup to initiation of 20 minutes and has already demonstrated a 96 percent lower error opportunity and an 84 percent reduction in hands-on time.

Currently, NGS is one of the most advanced technologies used in therapy research due to its ability to provide valuable information from genomic sequencing.

Notably, this type of sequencing can detect and target expected mutations in certain clinical solutions and find unexpected sequence variations without consuming much time or effort. Therefore, clinicians lean on NGS to better understand disease mechanisms.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is one major pharmaceutical company that often leverages NGS in drug discovery and development.

The company currently offers the only globally distributable NGS CDx solution approved in over 15 countries, including the US, multiple EU nations, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.

In 2019, Thermo Fisher launched the Ion Torrent Genexus System, the first fully integrated NGS platform featuring an automated specimen-to-report workflow that delivers results in one day.

And most recently, the company entered into a global, multiyear partnership with AstraZeneca to co-develop next-generation sequencing-based companion diagnostics (CDx) for targeted therapies.

Over 90 percent of AstraZeneca’s pipeline includes drugs that target precision medicine therapies. The partnership will support AstraZeneca’s expanding portfolio across all areas, from oncology to cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory diseases.