Illumina Delivers World’s First NovaSeq X Plus Sequencing System to Broad Institute, Unveils New Data and Complete Long Reads Workflow at AGBT

Illumina at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology Conference(AGBT)Published onNovaSeq X PlusNew data andIllumina Complete Long ReadsWorkflow Information

Hollywood, Florida, USAFebruary 9, 2023PR Newswire -- February 8, 2023, Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN), the global leader in gene sequencing and microarray technology, announced that it has recently delivered the world’s first NovaSeq X Plus sequencing system to the Broad Institute. Dr. Alex Aravanis, Chief Technology Officer of Illumina, revealed this information today at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) conference held in Hollywood, Florida. During the event, Dr. Alex Aravanis also unveiled updates to the highly anticipated Illumina innovation roadmap, including Illumina Complete Long Read, the company’s long-read sequencing technology, and XLEAP SBS chemistry. Previously,NovaSeq X SeriesAndIllumina Complete Long ReadsBoth were released in September 2022.

The World's FirstNovaSeq XSequencing System Delivery

The NovaSeq X series is the most powerful sequencing system in Illumina's product lineup, offering unprecedented high throughput and accuracy. It features an integrated bioinformatics solution, groundbreaking sustainable innovations, and cost-effective sequencing. Dr. Alex Aravanis, Chief Technology Officer of Illumina, announced today that the Broad Institute has received the world's first NovaSeq X Plus sequencing system.

Illumina Chief Technology Officer Alex Aravanis, Ph.D., stated: "After years of research and development, we are thrilled to see the NovaSeq X Plus being delivered to customers, empowering them to undertake projects that were once impossible and fulfill long-held aspirations. We understand that customers look forward to conducting more extensive, deeper, and larger-scale genomic studies with simpler operations and reduced costs."

At AGBT, Dr. Niall Lennon, Senior Director of Translational Genomics at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, along with Dr. Alex Aravanis, Chief Technology Officer of Illumina, presented new data confirming that the performance of the NovaSeq X Plus matches or exceeds that of the NovaSeq 6000.

Dr. Niall Lennon stated, "We have always been very open to adopting new technologies that will help the scientific community conduct more and larger-scale explorations. We anticipate that once this sequencing system is up and running, we will be able to provide greater support to our customers in delivering on-site sequencing services, human whole-genome products, and genome/exome hybrid products."

As previously announced, Illumina will increase shipments by 40 to 50 units this quarter, with a plan to deliver over 300 units throughout the year.

Illumina Complete Long ReadsUpdate

Alex Aravanis, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer of Illumina, also introduced the technology behind Illumina Complete Long Reads, which enables the generation of highly accurate long reads within an efficient and scalable workflow.

Dr. Alex Aravanis pointed out: "This technology is completely different from other technologies on the market, and its purpose is to meet and even exceed customer expectations. Illumina Complete Long Reads isOnlyA product capable of parsing 5% of hard-to-read gene regions at large scale and high precision, with all steps completed on a single instrument, and reducing DNA input by 90% compared to other long-read technologies.

Illumina Complete Long Reads combines "landmarks" on original single-molecule long fragments with unlabeled standard read lengths for analysis, generating highly accurate and complete long reads. This innovative long-read solution overcomes the pain points of other solutions on the market—high DNA input requirements, complex workflows with low throughput, highly variable results, and the need for additional dedicated instruments.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is one of the first customers to experience the new technology. Dr. Michael Quail, Chief Scientific Manager of Sequencing R&D at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "We really like Illumina Complete Long Reads. The library preparation for this technology is simple, and it has flexible input requirements. We are very impressed by the accuracy of the data as well as the read lengths and phasing blocks that can be generated on Illumina sequencing systems."

The first-generation product of Illumina Complete Long Read focuses on human whole-genome research and is compatible with the NovaSeq X series and NovaSeq 6000 sequencing systems, expanding the capabilities of these two systems. In 2023, Illumina will launch two Illumina Complete Long Reads products—whole-genome testing and enrichment panels—to achieve comprehensive, high-accuracy long-read sequencing maps, driving the cost per genome down to $600.

About Illumina

Illumina, Inc. is committed to advancing and inspiring genomics to continuously improve human health. Our focus on innovation has made us a global leader in sequencing and array technologies, providing expert services to customers in research, clinical, and applied markets worldwide. Our products are widely used in life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging fields. For more information, please visitillumina.com.cnOr follow the Illumina WeChat Official Account.

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