- In April 2024, Merck KGaA announced the launch of the industry’s first comprehensive and validated genetic stability assay, marking a significant advancement in biomanufacturing safety. The newly introduced Aptegra CHO Genetic Stability Assay integrates whole genome sequencing with advanced bioinformatics, offering a streamlined approach to genetic stability testing. This all-in-one solution is designed to accelerate biosafety evaluations, thereby facilitating a faster and more efficient transition from clinical development to commercial-scale production for biopharmaceutical clients. This innovation is highly relevant to the global Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) market, as it underscores the growing integration of NGS technologies in bioprocessing and biosafety testing
- In January 2024, QIAGEN announced a significant upgrade to its QIAGEN CLC Genomics Workbench Premium, integrating LightSpeed technology to enhance support for next-generation sequencing (NGS) in somatic cancer secondary analysis. This advanced software accelerator enables the rapid conversion of raw sequencing data from FASTQ files to interpretable genetic variant data in VCF format, delivering results at exceptional speed and cost-efficiency. The enhancement strengthens QIAGEN’s NGS software portfolio, offering researchers and clinicians a more streamlined and cost-effective solution for somatic mutation analysis in oncology. This development is particularly relevant to the global NGS market, as it reflects the growing demand for high-performance bioinformatics tools capable of handling complex genomic data in clinical cancer applications
- In January 2024, Beckman Coulter, Inc. announced a strategic partnership with Polycarbin, a leading innovator in sustainable laboratory solutions. The collaboration aims to enhance sustainability practices in liquid handling automation, particularly in the use and lifecycle management of laboratory plastics. By combining Beckman Coulter Life Sciences' expertise in automated liquid handling technologies with Polycarbin’s circular economy platform, the partnership seeks to reduce plastic waste and promote environmentally responsible lab operations. This initiative is highly relevant to the global Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) market, where high-throughput sequencing workflows generate significant volumes of plastic waste due to extensive pipetting and sample preparation processes
- In November 2023, QIAGEN announced a successful collaboration with DNA Labs International in resolving two decades-old cold cases through the application of QIAGEN’s ForenSeq Kintelligence System, paired with the GEDmatch PRO database. This achievement underscores the growing effectiveness and adoption of forensic genetic genealogy as a powerful tool for human identification in law enforcement and criminal investigations. This advancement is also highly relevant to the global Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) market, as it demonstrates the expanding utility of NGS technologies beyond traditional clinical and research domains into forensic science
- In November 2023, Beckman Coulter, Inc. announced a strategic collaboration with Pillar Biosciences, a leading provider of IVD and RUO NGS testing solutions utilizing its proprietary SLIMamp technology. Under the agreement, Pillar Biosciences will develop a suite of targeted applications designed specifically for use on the Biomek NGeniuS Next Generation Library Preparation System. This collaboration aims to enhance Beckman Coulter’s NGS workflow solutions by integrating Pillar’s advanced genomic assays, thereby supporting more efficient and accurate library preparation processes. This collaboration holds considerable relevance for the global Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) market, as it highlights the growing emphasis on automation, efficiency, and clinical utility in NGS platforms
