Roche and Broad Clinical Labs Partner to Advance Genomic Applications with SBX Sequencing Technology
Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has announced a strategic collaboration with Broad Clinical Labs, aimed at exploring and developing innovative applications using Roche’s new Sequencing By Expansion (SBX) next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The partnership marks a significant step forward in integrating cutting-edge genomic tools into both clinical practice and research.
The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on applying SBX technology to trio-based whole genome sequencing — analyzing the genomes of critically ill newborns and their biological parents. This approach aims to accelerate the diagnosis of suspected genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. The ultimate goal is to establish whole genome sequencing as a routine part of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) protocols, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses and improving health outcomes for vulnerable infants.
The SBX technology was designed to drive both clinical impact and scientific discovery,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “Partnering with Broad Clinical Labs — a leader in clinical genomics and omics research — allows us to fast-track the integration of this technology into real-world applications and support better outcomes for patients through advanced genomics.
Niall Lennon, Chair and CSO at Broad Clinical Labs, echoed the enthusiasm: “Integrating SBX into our clinical and translational research pipelines opens up powerful new possibilities. With its speed, scalability, and high data quality, this technology will enable both routine clinical use and groundbreaking biomedical discoveries.”
SBX sequencing offers a major leap forward in NGS performance. Designed for speed, scalability, and cost efficiency, the platform supports high-throughput workflows ideal for both time-sensitive clinical settings like NICUs and comprehensive multi-omic research initiatives. Its flexible architecture allows rapid deployment and integration into various applications.
In addition to whole genome sequencing, the collaboration will explore the capabilities of SBX for RNA sequencing, including both bulk and single-cell techniques. By leveraging SBX’s ability to generate longer read lengths, researchers aim to uncover deeper molecular insights, potentially transforming our understanding of disease mechanisms and uncovering new targets for therapy.
Broad Clinical Labs, a subsidiary of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, will lead these early efforts. Researchers from the Broad Institute — pioneers in single-cell technologies — are expected to be among the first to adopt and innovate with the SBX platform.This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Roche and Broad Clinical Labs to advancing precision medicine and building a healthcare system powered by genomics.
About Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology
Roche’s groundbreaking next-generation sequencing technology is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional sequencing methods. As well as high accuracy, it also offers an unparalleled combination of flexibility and speed, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of genomic applications.
One of the key benefits of the SBX technology is its scalability. The chemistry is coupled with an advanced, high-throughput CMOS sensor module that enables ultra-rapid, real-time base calls and analysis. This module is designed to process numerous samples simultaneously, creating a highly scalable and flexible architecture for cost-efficient sequencing across different project sizes, from small-scale studies to large projects involving thousands of samples.
This versatility makes the SBX technology suitable for a variety of applications, including whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing. As a result, it holds promise not only for research laboratories but also eventually for clinical settings where detailed genomic insights are crucial. With SBX technology, researchers can meet new and evolving research demands efficiently, paving the way for significant advances in our understanding of genetics and disease, ultimately contributing to better healthcare outcomes.
