Integrated DNA Technologies and Illumina Collaborate to Deliver End-to-End Oncology Research Workflows for Faster Genomic Insights
Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), a global leader in genomics and a Danaher company, has announced a strategic collaboration with Illumina aimed at simplifying and accelerating oncology research through a fully integrated next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow. The partnership combines IDT’s advanced library preparation technologies with Illumina’s DRAGEN secondary analysis platform, providing researchers with a streamlined path from sample preparation to actionable genomic insights.
The collaboration addresses a growing need within oncology research for efficient, scalable, and reliable workflows capable of handling increasingly complex genomic datasets. By integrating laboratory and bioinformatics processes, the joint solution reduces the operational burden associated with sequencing analysis while enabling faster and more consistent interpretation of cancer-related genomic information.
Simplifying the Oncology Research Workflow
Modern cancer research relies heavily on NGS technologies to identify genetic alterations, discover biomarkers, and support precision medicine initiatives. However, transforming raw sequencing data into meaningful biological insights often requires multiple software tools, complex analytical processes, and specialized expertise. These challenges can slow research timelines and increase the risk of inconsistencies across studies.
To help overcome these obstacles, IDT and Illumina have developed an integrated workflow that combines IDT’s xGen FFPE and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) library preparation solutions with Illumina’s DRAGEN-powered secondary analysis capabilities. The result is an end-to-end workflow designed to improve efficiency and reduce the number of manual steps required to process and analyze oncology sequencing data.
Researchers can now move more seamlessly from sample preparation and sequencing to variant identification and interpretation, helping accelerate research outcomes and improve reproducibility.
Optimized for Challenging Oncology Samples
A major focus of the collaboration is improving the analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, which are widely used in cancer research and clinical studies. Although FFPE samples provide valuable biological material, the fixation and preservation process often degrades DNA quality, creating significant challenges for sequencing and downstream analysis.
To address this issue, the DRAGEN Somatic for IDT Custom Panels workflow was specifically designed to work with IDT’s library preparation methods and includes a new low-quality FFPE mode optimized for degraded samples. This enhancement enables more accurate detection of somatic variants even when sample quality is compromised.
By improving performance with difficult FFPE specimens, the workflow helps researchers obtain more reliable genomic information from archived tumor samples, expanding opportunities for retrospective studies and biomarker discovery.
IDT noted that its xGen FFPE and cfDNA workflows already support hundreds of thousands of samples annually, demonstrating broad adoption across the oncology research community. The addition of DRAGEN-powered analysis is expected to further strengthen these workflows by reducing analytical complexity and increasing confidence in sequencing results.
Accelerating the Path from Sequencing to Insight
According to IDT, the partnership represents a significant step toward creating a more connected genomic research ecosystem. Researchers increasingly require integrated solutions that can efficiently handle both laboratory processes and computational analysis while maintaining high levels of accuracy and scalability.
Konstantin Fiedler, Vice President and General Manager of Gene Reading at IDT, emphasized the broader vision behind the collaboration.
He explained that the partnership reflects an effort to transform how genomic data is generated, analyzed, and applied in scientific research. By creating workflows that connect sample preparation and bioinformatics analysis, researchers can focus more on scientific discovery and less on managing complex analytical pipelines.
Fiedler also highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to expanding analytics-enabled solutions across the NGS market. As genomic technologies continue to evolve, integrated workflows are expected to play a critical role in supporting larger studies, broader applications, and more diverse sample types.
Expanding Access to Illumina’s Software Ecosystem
Another key advantage of the collaboration is the integration of IDT workflows into Illumina’s established software ecosystem. Researchers using IDT’s custom hybrid capture panels can now access DRAGEN analysis tools through Illumina Connected Software, creating a more seamless user experience.
The current release focuses on FFPE-based oncology applications, which represent a significant portion of cancer genomics research. However, both companies have indicated that future development efforts will extend support to liquid biopsy applications using circulating cell-free DNA.
A dedicated workflow optimized for cfDNA-based targeted sequencing applications is expected to become available next year. This addition will support the growing use of liquid biopsy technologies, which enable researchers to analyze tumor-derived genetic material through minimally invasive blood samples.
As interest in liquid biopsy continues to expand across oncology research, integrating analysis tools specifically designed for cfDNA data may help researchers better understand tumor evolution, treatment response, and disease progression.
Enabling Streamlined Variant Interpretation
Beyond variant detection, the integrated workflow is designed to facilitate downstream interpretation and reporting of genomic findings.
Data generated through the DRAGEN Somatic for IDT Custom Panels workflow can be used within Illumina Connected Insights, the company’s flagship variant interpretation platform. This compatibility enables researchers to move efficiently from sequencing analysis to biological interpretation, supporting more comprehensive evaluation of somatic cancer variants.
The ability to connect sequencing workflows with interpretation tools is increasingly important as oncology research generates larger and more complex datasets. Integrated analysis and reporting platforms can help researchers prioritize clinically relevant variants, identify emerging biomarkers, and improve the overall efficiency of genomic investigations.
Kevin Moore, Vice President of Software Product Management at Illumina, noted that researchers require analytical solutions that are not only powerful but also intuitive and scalable. He stated that the collaboration provides another entry point into Illumina’s broader insight ecosystem while supporting consistent and reproducible oncology research.
According to Moore, the combination of IDT’s custom panel technologies with DRAGEN-powered analysis reflects a shared commitment to advancing cancer biology research, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine initiatives through improved data quality and analytical performance.
Flexible Analysis Options for Researchers
While the collaboration centers on hybrid capture-based somatic oncology research workflows, IDT continues to provide additional analysis solutions tailored to different research needs.
For studies utilizing Anchored Multiplex PCR (AMP) technologies, IDT offers Archer Analysis, a dedicated platform designed to generate interpretation-ready results. Archer Analysis combines automated error correction, built-in quality control metrics, and user-friendly reporting capabilities to streamline data interpretation.
By maintaining both DRAGEN-based and Archer-based analytical pathways, IDT provides researchers with flexibility in selecting the workflow that best aligns with their specific applications and experimental designs.
This dual-platform strategy allows investigators to leverage different analytical approaches depending on sample type, sequencing methodology, and research objectives while maintaining access to robust data processing and interpretation capabilities.
Supporting the Future of Precision Oncology
The collaboration between IDT and Illumina reflects broader trends within the genomics industry toward workflow integration, automation, and scalability. As oncology research increasingly depends on high-throughput sequencing technologies, researchers require solutions that simplify complex processes without compromising analytical performance.
Integrated workflows that combine sample preparation, sequencing, data analysis, and variant interpretation can help reduce barriers to adoption, improve reproducibility, and accelerate scientific discovery.
By bringing together IDT’s expertise in genomic sample preparation and Illumina’s advanced DRAGEN analysis platform, the companies aim to support researchers working to advance cancer biology, identify novel biomarkers, and develop precision medicine approaches that improve patient outcomes.
As genomic research continues to expand across academic, clinical, and translational settings, collaborations such as this are expected to play an increasingly important role in enabling faster, more reliable, and more accessible genomic insights for the oncology community.
About IDT
Building from a strong foundation of innovation, expertise, and reliability, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), a Danaher company, has evolved from an oligo manufacturer to a leading genomics solutions provider. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with scientific and global health partners to enable genomics breakthroughs at scale. Our vision of enabling researchers to rapidly move from the lab to life-changing advances reflects our ongoing commitment to a healthier, brighter future for all.
Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Through our connected ecosystem of industry-leading businesses, we work side by side with customers to solve their most complex scientific and clinical challenges—helping move innovations from discovery to delivery faster for patients who depend on them. Powered by the Danaher Business System, our advanced science and technology and proven ability to innovate help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and reduce the time, cost, and risk required to discover, develop, and deliver life-changing therapies. Through continuous improvement and operational excellence, our approximately 60,000 associates worldwide are focused on delivering lasting impact and improving quality of life around the world, while building a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.
