Illumina signs deal with Oxford Nanopore for DNA sequencing products

Illumina, a US developer of next-generation life-science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function, has signed an agreement with Oxford Nanopore Technologies to distribute and service BASE Technology products.

BASE Technology products are developed by Oxford Nanopore for DNA sequencing into the research and diagnostic markets on a worldwide basis.

Oxford Nanopore’s new-generation sequencing system uses protein nanopores coupled with a processive enzyme. It is designed for direct electrical identification of DNA bases at the single-molecule level, without the need for fluorescent labels. Currently in development, this technology has the potential to provide substantial advantages over current sequencing approaches, the company says.

Illumina has made an initial equity investment of $18.0m (£11.8m) to accelerate the development of BASE Technology.

Illumina and Oxford Nanopore will share profits generated from sales.

‘Oxford Nanopore’s technology holds tremendous promise to achieve the sub-$1,000 human genome,’ said Jay Flatley, president and ceo of Illumina. ‘Making electrical measurements of unmodified DNA removes the need for complex sample prep and the high-performance optics found in today’s sequencing systems.’

Dr Gordon Sanghera, Oxford Nanopore’s ceo, added: ‘The agreement reflects the rapid progress we have made in developing nanopore technology towards being the first label-free, single-molecule sequencing system. The partnership will enable us to further accelerate our development and enable broad commercialisation.’