Roche has entered a strategic collaboration with Broad Clinical Labs to advance the adoption of Roche’s Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology.
The partnership aims to integrate SBX sequencing into clinical genomics to make whole genome sequencing a routine practice in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
The collaboration will initially use SBX technology for whole genome sequencing, focusing on infants with suspected genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease.
The initial project aims to enable precise and timely diagnoses, potentially improving outcomes for these vulnerable patients.
Roche Diagnostics CEO Matt Sause said: “The SBX technology was designed with both clinical impact and scientific discovery in mind, and offers the next generation of fast, scalable sequencing solutions.
“Collaborating with Broad Clinical Labs, a leader in clinical genomics and omics research, accelerates our ability to deliver on that promise and support better outcomes for patients through cutting-edge genomic technology.”
Roche’s SBX technology is designed to overcome traditional sequencing limitations, offering flexibility, speed, and high accuracy across various genomic applications.
Enhanced by an advanced CMOS sensor module, it enables real-time base calls and analysis.
It is suitable for whole-genome, whole-exome, and RNA sequencing, promising significant advances in understanding genetics and disease in both research and clinical settings.
SBX technology represents a major leap in next-generation sequencing, offering ultra-fast turnaround times, scalability, and cost efficiency.
Its high-throughput performance and flexible workflow make it ideal for time-sensitive settings like NICUs and comprehensive multi-omic research.
The collaboration will also explore SBX’s potential in RNA sequencing, including bulk and single-cell approaches, with Broad Clinical Labs leading the effort.
Researchers at Broad Institute, with expertise in single-cell methods, will use SBX’s longer reads to uncover novel molecular insights.
The approach could transform the understanding of disease mechanisms and help identify new therapeutic targets.
Broad Clinical Labs chair and CSO Niall Lennon said: “Integrating the SBX technology into clinical and translational pipelines opens exciting new possibilities.
“Together with Roche, we’re aiming to demonstrate how fast, scalable, and high-quality sequencing can support both routine clinical care and drive biomedical innovation.”
