MGI Tech Announces the Rollout of Its 1,000th DNBSEQ-G99 Sequencer, Unlocking Clinical Market Potential

November 27, 2024,MGI Announces the Official Roll-off of the 1,000th DNBSEQ-G99 Gene Sequencer (hereinafter referred to as “G99”) from Its Wuhan Production Base. The G99 is one of the fastest gene sequencers among globally available small- and medium-throughput models independently developed by MGI, and it is also the first MGI sequencer to reach a production volume of 1,000 units in the shortest time.This is not only a significant milestone for MGI in the research and development and production of gene sequencers, but also signifies that the G99 sequencer, with its rapid and superior performance, is empowering an increasing number of users in scientific research and clinical fields worldwide.

Hailed by the industry as the “Speed King,” the G99 sequencer leverages advantages such as rapid sequencing, flexible loading via dual platforms, and user-friendly operation to deliver high-quality, stable data output, finding extensive applications in both scientific research and clinical settings. In research, it is suitable for various scenarios, including sequencing-based source tracing of pathogens such as monkeypox virus and dengue virus, environmental eDNA sequencing, and microbial 16S rRNA sequencing. Clinically, it is widely used in metagenomic sequencing, tNGS (targeted next-generation sequencing), tumor targeted sequencing, and immunohistochemistry sequencing.

MGI CEO Mou Feng stated, “We are currently the only organization worldwide to possess three distinct sequencing technology platforms. As a representative of our excitation light sequencing technology, the G99 received medical device registration certification from the National Medical Products Administration last September and has now achieved the significant milestone of producing its 1,000th unit. This accomplishment not only underscores our technological leadership in the field of gene sequencing equipment but also validates the large-scale manufacturing capabilities of our Wuhan production base for complex, precision instruments, reflecting the trust placed in us by clinical and research users globally. Moving forward, we will continue to develop superior, faster, and more user-friendly products to truly make gene technology accessible to the general public.”

DNBSEQ-G99 Gene Sequencer

Within just over two years since the launch of G99, a substantial volume of high-quality scientific research and clinical outcomes has been produced.For instance, upon its launch, it assisted the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) in completing the viral source tracing of mainland China’s first imported monkeypox case. In March this year, teams including the Institute of Scientific Archaeology at Fudan University successfully obtained low-coverage whole-genome data and numerous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites from the genome of Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty using the G99 sequencing platform, facilitating the reconstruction of the emperor’s facial appearance. The Key Laboratory of Medical Vector Biology Surveillance (Guangdong) completed the reporting of vector species and pathogenic microorganism information within 13.5 hours, thereby enhancing the work efficiency of customs personnel. Furthermore, multiple overseas medical institutions and provincial and municipal hospitals in China have leveraged the G99 platform to conduct non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), HPV testing, and targeted gene testing for multiple cancer types, including breast and ovarian cancers, providing the clinical market with faster and simpler solutions.

The G99’s rapid achievement of its 1,000-unit shipment milestone is also attributable to MGI’s steadfast global strategy and its certification-driven business philosophy. On September 6, 2023, the G99 received medical device registration approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Furthermore, it has sequentially obtained medical device regulatory approvals in multiple regions, including the European Union, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, thereby qualifying for clinical application in numerous domestic and international markets. This further leverages its advantages of simplicity, speed, and flexibility, supporting a wide range of clinical DNA and RNA genetic testing applications.

Technologically, leveraging MGI’s proprietary DNBSEQ sequencing technology, the G99 is the first to adopt a triangular matrix arrangement of signal sites on its sequencing flow cell, achieving higher data density on a smaller surface area, with a total system throughput of 8–96 Gb.By leveraging a highly integrated fluidic system in conjunction with an ultra-rapid biochemical reaction framework, the DNBSEQ-G99 achieves a breakthrough capability of completing PE150 sequencing within 12 hours. When combined with the next-generation StandardMPS 2.0 sequencing reagents, the sequencing quality for read lengths of PE300 and below is comprehensively elevated to Q40. (Q40 signifies high-quality sequencing data; at this level, data accuracy is significantly enhanced, providing reliable foundational data for downstream genomic analyses such as variant detection and gene expression quantification.) This superior data quality further delivers an exceptional sequencing experience for users in the microbiology and oncology fields.

MGI’s Wuhan facility serves as a key production base in central and western China, featuring instrument and reagent manufacturing centers spanning nearly 10,000 square meters. This facility achieves optimal allocation of production resources and fulfills the function of large-scale manufacturing. To further enhance product supply capacity and meet the rapidly growing demand from downstream markets, MGI is currently constructing the “MGI Intelligent Manufacturing and R&D Base Project” in the East Lake High-Tech Development Zone, covering an area of 51 mu. Upon completion, this project will create economies of scale and accelerate product delivery.

MGI is one of the few companies worldwide capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers with varying throughput levels, ranging from gigabase (Gb) to terabase (Tb) scales. It is also the only company globally offering sequencers based on three distinct technological pathways: excitation light-based, self-luminescent, and non-luminescent systems. As of June 30, 2024, MGI’s business presence spans more than 100 countries and regions across six continents. The company has established nine R&D centers, seven manufacturing bases, nine international warehouses, and over ten customer experience centers worldwide, serving a cumulative total of more than 3,000 users.