Illumina China Launches NextSeq™ 2000 Sequencing System, Redefining Future Applications in Genomics

On April 25, 2020, Illumina, a global leader in gene sequencing and microarray technology, announced the launch of its new NextSeq™ 2000 sequencer in China through an online event themed “The Future, Defined by You.” Featuring more than 75 technological innovations, the new NextSeq™ 2000 will be the most powerful benchtop sequencer in Illumina’s portfolio. Its compact and flexible design accommodates laboratory deployments of various scales and scenarios, bringing unprecedented“SMART” (Simple, Flexible, Accurate, Rapid, and Technological Breakthrough)Sequencing Experience.

The 21st century is the era of life sciences, and gene sequencing technology serves as the cornerstone for humanity’s continuous exploration of life sciences and decoding of the essence of life. With the rapid development of biogenetic technologies, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based gene sequencing is now widely applied in research fields including microbiology, oncology, genetic diseases, and single-cell sequencing. Meanwhile, researchers across China are raising higher standards for the accuracy, data throughput, analytical efficiency, and bioinformatics integration capabilities of gene sequencing. The introduction of the NextSeq™ 2000 Sequencing System will meet the substantial demands arising from various scientific research developments in China and empower Chinese scientists to achieve continuous breakthroughs in their research endeavors.

Li Qing, General Manager of Illumina Greater China, Introduces the NextSeq™ 2000 Sequencer at an Online Launch Event

Li Qing, General Manager of Illumina Greater China“Long committed to its mission of ‘improving human health through the power of genomics,’ Illumina has continuously driven transformative advancements in gene sequencing technology. Since its inception, we have remained at the forefront of genomics, unlocking the door to exploring the unknown by decoding the genome and consistently reducing sequencing costs through ongoing technological innovation. I believe that with the successful launch of the NextSeq™ 2000 Sequencing System in China, we will be better positioned to support the vast community of researchers across the country, jointly advancing the development of genomic technologies, promoting scientific and clinical research, and ultimately enhancing human well-being.”

Professor Zhou Wenhao, Children's Hospital of Fudan University“He noted, ‘In China, nearly one million babies are born with birth defects each year, underscoring the arduous and long-term nature of genetic disease research. With advancements in research, Chinese scientists studying genetic diseases now demand faster, more accurate, and more comprehensive gene sequencing technologies. I believe that, with the support of the more powerful NextSeq™ 2000 sequencer, the value of precision medicine can be better demonstrated, ultimately bringing hope to more families of children with birth defects!’”

Professor Lu Daru, Vice Dean of the School of Life Sciences at Fudan University and Chairman of the Genetic Diagnosis Branch of the Chinese Society of Genetics“Gene sequencing is the foundation for deciphering the human biological code and a cornerstone of advancements in life sciences. As the saying goes, ‘To do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools.’ Next-generation sequencing (NGS) instruments, characterized by high throughput and low cost, are better positioned to meet the extensive demands of future clinical research, diagnosis, and treatment. During the global fight against COVID-19, gene sequencing technology emerged as a key tool in identifying the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. I also look forward to gene sequencing technology playing an even greater role in safeguarding human health in the future.”

NextSeq™ 2000 Sequencer

The NextSeq™ 2000 Sequencer features a completely new design aimed at simplifying workflows and overcoming the challenges commonly faced by users of mid-throughput sequencers. The novel “two-color” sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) chemistry, combined with an ultra-high-resolution optical system, ultra-high-density nanowell flow cells, and an onboard DRAGEN Genomic Accelerator, makes the NextSeq™ 2000 the most flexible benchtop sequencer from Illumina to date. Laboratories of all sizes can now more easily afford higher-frequency sequencing operations.

As the first Illumina sequencing platform with a built-in DRAGEN™ Bio-IT architecture, the NextSeq™ 2000 offers powerful on-board data analysis capabilities, providing exceptional flexibility and convenience for demultiplexing, integration, and genomic analysis of raw data, enabling rapid processing of large datasets. Meanwhile, the NextSeq™ 2000 balances sequencing speed, quality, and cost, delivering a robust yet streamlined workflow through its integrated sequencing platform and advanced genomic analysis system. This empowers laboratories of all sizes to conduct higher-frequency sequencing more affordably and efficiently.

The launch of the NextSeq™ 2000 will redefine testing performance across multiple application areas, including oncology, genetic disorders, reproductive health, and agricultural genomics, making it the premier choice for supporting emerging applications such as single-cell multi-omics and ctDNA sequencing. The NextSeq™ 2000 delivers enhanced oncology detection capabilities. Its newly designed reagent cartridges and loading method streamline the sequencing workflow, enabling more flexible oncology applications and providing more accurate tumor analysis. In the field of genetic disease research, the NextSeq™ 2000’s flexible throughput range allows users to easily conduct multi-omics studies on a single benchtop sequencer, catering to all stages of the human life cycle while significantly improving research efficiency and data security. The NextSeq™ 2000’s cutting-edge technology will further advance single-cell research and expand its scope of applications. In microbial detection, the NextSeq™ 2000 meets the stringent requirements of clinical infection diagnosis and pathogenic microorganism surveillance with its efficient workflow and highly accurate sequencing results.

Illumina is dedicated to advancing and inspiring the development of genomics to continuously improve human health. Our focus on innovation has made us a global leader in sequencing and array-based technologies, providing professional services to research, clinical, and applied market customers worldwide. Our products are widely used in life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging fields. For more information, please visit www.illumina.com or follow Illumina’s official WeChat account.

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