Chigene and MGI Forge Strategic Partnership to Pioneer a New Era of WGS-Based Diagnostics

On August 11, Beijing Joy Orient Translational Medicine Research Center Co., Ltd. (Chigene, hereinafter referred to as “Joy Orient”) and MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI, hereinafter referred to as “MGI Tech”) signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Gu Weiyue, Chairman of Joy Orient, and Mou Feng, CEO of MGI Tech, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective entities.

As a representative enterprise in Chinese gene sequencing and big data diagnostics, Joy Orient, and MGI, as a Chinese force in advanced intelligent manufacturing for the life sciences sector, will leverage their respective strengths in the field of medical testing. Based on MGI’s DNBSEQ-T7 gene sequencing platform and Joy Orient’s gene big data acquisition and mining system, the two parties will lead the new era of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) diagnostics, fostering mutual promotion, achieving win-win outcomes, and sustaining long-term cooperation.

In the molecular diagnostics industry, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using high-throughput sequencing platforms can provide a comprehensive view of the entire genome. Previously, this was considered an industry “luxury” due to its prohibitive cost. However, with the emergence of MGI and its sequencing platforms, the rise of domestically produced sequencing technologies has further driven innovation in sequencing platforms. With sequencing costs now independently controllable, WGS has gradually become affordable for the general public.

In July 2020, the MGI DNBSEQ-T7 sequencing system, the first globally to obtain both China’s medical device registration certificate and EU CE-IVD certification, was delivered to Joy Orient. As the gene sequencer with the highest daily production capacity worldwide, the DNBSEQ-T7 features rapid, flexible, and ultra-high-throughput capabilities. Its daily data output can reach up to 6 Tb using a four-flow-cell continuous run mode, enabling up to 60 whole-genome sequencing (WGS) cases per day (100 Gb per case). The deployment of the DNBSEQ-T7 at Joy Orient has made it possible to popularize whole-genome sequencing (WGS) among the general population.

Joy Orient is a leading enterprise in China’s genetic big data sector. With over a decade of deep engagement in the precision diagnostics industry, the company consistently upholds its philosophy of “affordable pricing with premium service.” It has pioneered the application of medical exome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing (WES), and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for the auxiliary diagnosis of genetic disorders. Joy Orient has established a phenotype-genotype database of genetic diseases comprising 100,000 Chinese patients, as well as a cloud-based diagnostic platform powered by big data and fully automated AI to assist in diagnosing thousands of genetic conditions. Additionally, it provides big data solutions to hospitals. Currently, Joy Orient’s big data capabilities have improved the diagnostic rate for complex and difficult cases by one-third and contributed to the scientific discovery of multiple novel disease-causing genes.

In the field of oncology, Joy Orient has pioneered panoramic genomic sequencing. By conducting whole-exome/genome, whole-transcriptome, whole-immunome, and single-cell sequencing on tumor tissues, ctDNA, and immune cells, along with multi-timepoint monitoring, Joy Orient collaborates with downstream cell therapy companies to develop tumor neoantigen immunotherapy technologies and a disruptive innovative therapy—Super TIL—thereby achieving an integrated approach to precise immuno-diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Joy Orient’s mission is to intelligently interpret genes to promote human health and well-being. The ultimate approach to gene interpretation lies in building big data, while gene sequencing platform technologies determine the cost of acquiring such genomic big data. With the introduction of the DNBSEQ-T7 at Joy Orient, population-wide adoption of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has become possible.Today’s strategic partnership between Joy Orient and MGI signifies not only the establishment of a business collaboration but also the dawn of a new era of “Genomes for All.”

Upholding the philosophy of “Innovative Intelligent Manufacturing Leading Life Sciences Technology,” MGI is committed to becoming a provider of core tools for life sciences. Since the launch of its first proprietary sequencing platform, the BGISEQ-500, in 2015, MGI has successively introduced multiple domestically produced sequencing systems, including the MGISEQ-200, MGISEQ-2000, and DNBSEQ-T7. As a result, MGI’s DNBSEQ sequencing platform has gained increasing recognition within the industry.

By continuously driving innovation and leveraging its proprietary core technologies, MGI is committed to propelling China’s gene sequencing industry through a leapfrog development trajectory—from participation and alignment to synchronization and ultimately leadership—while delivering superior tools and platforms to users worldwide.

As a pioneer and provider of domestic sequencing platforms, MGI actively develops independently innovated core sequencing technologies and promotes the construction of an application ecosystem, facilitating the industry’s transition from hardware and tools to comprehensive ecological platforms.

MGI and Joy Orient’s collaboration, built upon MGI’s DNBSEQ-T7 gene sequencing platform and Joy Orient’s genetic big data acquisition and mining system, will drive further breakthroughs in the precision diagnostics industry and lead the new era of WGS-based diagnosis.