Illumina’s Protein Prep Validated Globally: Lowest Cost per Target and Broadest Blood Proteome Coverage
Illumina
Diagnostic Product Developer
Since its global commercial launch in September, Illumina Protein Prep has significantly improved the accessibility of proteomics research with its "out-of-the-box" solution. To date, Illumina's global customers have processed over 40,000 samples.
Sydney Mass Spectrometry Center Becomes the First in the Asia-Pacific Region to Introduce Illumina Protein Prep, Joining a Growing Number of Research Institutions to Uncover Biological Insights with Exceptional Clarity and High-Throughput Detection Capabilities
Recent collaborations with Genomics England, PRECISE-SG100K, and other projects highlight the latest advancements in proteomic analysis across diverse populations and research fields.
San Diego, California, USA —— Recently, Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) announced that Illumina Protein Prep is now being utilized across more than 40 customers at 16 service sites worldwide, offering the broadest coverage of blood proteomics in the market at the lowest per-protein target cost currently available in the industry. Laboratories of all sizes are leveraging this solution to layer powerful multi-omics data into various disease research studies, further enriching the data resources of global biobank projects.
"We firmly believe in the power of proteomics to provide research and clinical laboratories — regardless of size — with deeper insights into the biological mechanisms behind human health," said Dr. Steve Barnard, Chief Technology Officer of Illumina. "Our customers are leveraging the superior specificity, sensitivity, and precision of this solution to integrate proteomics into large-scale genomics studies, transforming real-world insights into impactful discoveries."
Illumina Protein Prep enables researchers to seamlessly integrate comprehensive proteomics into large-scale genomic studies, accelerating scientific breakthroughs in areas such as oncology, cardiometabolic, and immune-mediated diseases. Illumina also enhances the potential of multi-omics by providing AI-driven data analysis infrastructure—including DRAGEN and Illumina Connected Multiomics software—which performs secondary and tertiary data analysis within a single workflow.
Based on different application scenarios, Illumina Protein Prep provides a viable alternative or complementary solution for mass spectrometry analysis, helping researchers gain breakthrough insights and significantly enhancing discovery capabilities.
Sydney Mass Spectrometry Center IntroducesIllumina Protein Prep
Expand Proteomics Research Capabilities
As the first institution in the Asia-Pacific region to offer Illumina Protein Prep, Sydney Mass Spectrometry recently completed its first real-world study, using plasma samples from clinical trial participants to investigate the impact of dietary interventions on metabolic diseases. Illumina Protein Prep successfully identified significant differences between cohorts based on grouping, and researchers are further validating multiple new candidate biomarkers accordingly.
"We believe that Illumina Protein Prep is a powerful tool to drive various large-scale proteogenomic research strategies, facilitating translational research," said Professor Stuart Cordwell, Academic Director of the Mass Spectrometry Center at the University of Sydney. "As a laboratory that has long focused on mass spectrometry research, we see the complementary potential of these two technologies. Illumina Protein Prep, with its broad dynamic range and ultra-large panel of over 9,500 proteins, brings new opportunities for discovery."
All proteomics data generated in this experiment were based on the Illumina platform and software. The next step for the center is to benchmark existing large-scale clinical mass spectrometry studies using Illumina Protein Prep.
Genomics England Expands Research
Advance Rare Disease Research Progress
As an early user, Genomics England (Genomics England) Has adopted Illumina Protein Prep in its large-scale multi-omics research project, the "100,000 Genomes Project." Preliminary data presented last month at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting in Boston showed that integrating genomic and proteomic data increased disease classification accuracy by 7.5% in previously undiagnosed patients. This extended study aims to validate the initial findings and further uncover differentially expressed proteins enriched in specific disease categories.
"Our experience using Illumina Protein Prep continually reinforces my confidence in the potential of proteomics — it is reshaping our understanding of both rare and common diseases," said Professor Matthew Brown, Chief Scientific Officer of Genomics England. "This study, along with similar projects, will have a profound impact on large-scale research worldwide — each additional layer of omics insight enhances the quality and depth of our ability to uncover biological pathways, from genetic variations to protein expression, and ultimately to drug development."
Proteomics Assists in Decoding
Research on Disease Mechanisms in Diverse Populations
Major biobanks are increasingly focusing on exploring disease molecular mechanisms in historically underrepresented populations. Today, proteomics has become a crucial bridge connecting genetic variations in specific populations with the functions of related proteins.
Singapore's PRECISE-SG100K project is using Illumina Protein Prep to process 10,000 plasma samples, expanding its previous proteomics research initiative aimed at constructing a standardized dataset for exploring potential therapeutic targets.
"The original intention of establishing this project is to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind disease occurrence and to discover more effective treatment methods for Asian populations," said Professor John Chambers, Chief Scientific Officer of PRECISE and Chief Investigator of SG100K. "Building on our ongoing collaboration with Illumina, we look forward to this dataset providing stronger support for researchers and advancing the discovery and application of multi-omics biomarkers in the field of precision medicine."
Recently, Illumina showcased the Illumina Protein Prep and Illumina Connected Multiomics solutions at the Human Proteome Organization World Congress (HUPO). After the conference, the related presentation content will be available for on-demand viewing. For more information on Illumina's multi-omics solutions, please visit the official website.
In June this year, Illumina announced that it had reached a definitive agreement with Standard BioTools (NASDAQ: LAB) to acquire SomaLogic. Prior to the completion of the transaction (which is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of necessary regulatory approvals), Illumina and SomaLogic will continue to operate as independent companies.