Roche has announced a strategic collaboration with Broad Clinical Labs to develop and pilot innovative applications using Roche’s newly unveiled Sequencing By Expansion (SBX) next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. This partnership aims to harness the power of SBX to transform clinical genomics and biomedical discovery.
The collaboration will also work to establish SBX as a routine offering for fast, scalable sequencing across Broad Clinical Labs’ research community.
First Project: Whole Genome Sequencing for Critically Ill Newborns
The initial project will involve Broad Clinical Labs using SBX technology to advance trio-based whole genome sequencing — sequencing the genomes of critically ill newborns and their biological parents.
Goals of the Project:
- Establish a future state where whole genome sequencing (WGS) becomes a routine clinical care component in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)
- Enable precise and timely diagnoses
- Improve outcomes for infants with suspected genetic disorders
“The SBX technology was designed with both clinical impact and scientific discovery in mind, and offers the next-generation of fast, scalable sequencing solutions.”
— Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics
“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.”
— Niall Lennon, Chair and CSO, Broad Clinical Labs
SBX Technology: Transforming Sequencing
The Sequencing By Expansion (SBX) technology represents a significant leap in NGS, offering:
- Ultra-fast turnaround times
- Exceptional scalability
- Cost efficiency across a wide range of sequencing applications
It is designed with a flexible workflow that supports rapid deployment in time-sensitive settings like NICUs, as well as comprehensive multi-omic discovery research.
Additional SBX Use Cases Under Exploration
The collaboration will also explore SBX’s capabilities for RNA sequencing, including:
RNA Sequencing Applications:
- Bulk RNA sequencing
- Single-cell RNA sequencing
These efforts will focus on leveraging longer read lengths provided by SBX to:
- Unlock novel molecular insights
- Reveal new data types
- Enhance understanding of disease mechanisms
- Support identification of new therapeutic targets
Broad Institute researchers, who are pioneers in single-cell methods, will be early adopters of the SBX system.
Shared Commitment to Genomics-Enabled Healthcare
This collaboration reflects a shared vision between Roche and Broad Clinical Labs to build a genomics-powered healthcare system, supporting precision medicine at scale.
SBX Technology: Designed to Overcome NGS Limitations
Roche’s SBX technology is tailored to address traditional limitations in sequencing by providing:
Key Benefits of SBX:
- High accuracy
- Unparalleled flexibility and speed
- Versatile applications including:
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
- Whole Exome Sequencing (WES)
- RNA Sequencing (bulk and single-cell)
Technical Highlights:
- Equipped with an advanced CMOS sensor module
- Enables ultra-rapid, real-time base calling and analysis
- Capable of processing numerous samples simultaneously
- Offers a highly scalable and cost-efficient architecture for:
- Small-scale studies
- Large-scale projects involving thousands of samples
SBX technology was invented by Mark Kokoris and Robert McRuer, co-founders of Stratos Genomics, which was acquired by Roche in 2020.
About Broad Clinical Labs
Founded in 2013, Broad Clinical Labs is a subsidiary of the Broad Institute, Inc., established to:
- Accelerate understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of disease
- Pursue high-impact genomics and omics projects
- Develop products and molecular assays at the cutting edge
Key Achievements:
- Leader in human whole genome sequencing
- Sequenced over 750,000 genomes
- Supports both clinical genomics and biomedical research
About Roche
Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is:
- One of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines
- Now the world’s largest biotechnology company
- A global leader in in-vitro diagnostics
- Committed to:
- Precision medicine
- Genomics innovation
- Improved healthcare outcomes
Conclusion
This collaboration between Roche and Broad Clinical Labs marks a significant advancement in the use of next-generation sequencing technology for both research and clinical care.
By integrating SBX technology into clinical and translational pipelines, the two organizations aim to reshape how diseases are diagnosed, understood, and ultimately treated, enabling faster, more scalable, and more precise genomic solutions for patients and researchers alike.
