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Roche and IBM Collaborate to Develop Nanopore-Based DNA Sequencing Technology

^{Published on 2010-06-30 21:41:20 - Market Wire}
 

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. & BRANFORD, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Roche ([ SWX:RO)(SWX:ROG)(Pink Sheets: RHHBY ]) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today an agreement to develop a nanopore-based sequencer that will directly read and decode human DNA quickly and efficiently. Focused on advancing IBMa™s recently published aDNA Transistora technology, the collaboration will take advantage of IBMa™s leadership in microelectronics, information technology and computational biology and Rochea™s expertise in medical diagnostics and genome sequencing.

"The challenge of all nanopore-based sequencing technologies is to slow and control the motion of the DNA through the nanopore. We are developing the technology to achieve this so that the reader can accurately decode the DNA sequence."

The novel technology, developed by IBM Research, offers true single molecule sequencing by decoding molecules of DNA as they are threaded through a nanometer-sized pore in a silicon chip. The approach holds the promise of significant advantages in cost, throughput, scalability, and speed compared to sequencing technologies currently available or in development.

aBy merging computational biology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology skills, we are moving closer to producing a system that can quickly and accurately translate DNA into medically-relevant genetic information,a said Ajay Royyuru, Senior Manager of the Computational Biology Department at IBM Research. aThe challenge of all nanopore-based sequencing technologies is to slow and control the motion of the DNA through the nanopore. We are developing the technology to achieve this so that the reader can accurately decode the DNA sequence.a

Ultimately, the technology has the potential to improve throughput and reduce costs to achieve the vision of whole human genome sequencing at a cost of $100 to $1,000. Having access to an individuala™s personal genetic code could advance the quality of medical care by identifying persons who will gain the greatest benefit from a particular medicine and those who are at most risk of adverse reaction.

aSequencing is an increasingly critical tool for personalized healthcare. It can provide the individual genetic information necessary for the effective diagnosis and targeted treatment of diseases,a explained Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science. "We are confident that this powerful technology - plus the combined strengths of IBM and Roche a" will make low-cost whole genome sequencing and its benefits available to the marketplace faster than previously thought possible.a

As part of the agreement, Roche will fund continued development of the technology at IBM and provide additional resources and expertise through collaboration with Rochea™s sequencing subsidiary, 454 Life Sciences. Roche will develop and market all products based on the technology.

Rochea™s investment in future genomic technologies builds upon the strength of its currently available 454 Sequencing Systems, which generate hundreds of thousands of long, high quality sequencing reads in hours. The technology is available for large-scale genomic analysis with the [ GS FLX System ] and for benchtop sequencing with the [ GS Junior System ]. Shown to provide significant medical value in targeted resequencing applications for virology and oncology research, 454 Sequencing Systems are poised to be first next-generation sequencing technology to move from the laboratory to the clinic.

For more information on 454 Sequencing Systems, visit [ www.454.com ].

About Roche
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the worlda™s largest biotech company with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, virology, inflammation, metabolism and CNS. Roche is also the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics, tissue-based cancer diagnostics and a pioneer in diabetes management. Rochea™s personalised healthcare strategy aims at providing medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients. In 2009, Roche had over 80a™000 employees worldwide and invested almost 10 billion Swiss francs in R&D. The Group posted sales of 49.1 billion Swiss francs. Genentech, United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche has a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information: [ www.roche.com ].

About IBM
For more information, visit [ www.ibm.com/smarterplanet ]

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454, 454 SEQUENCING, 454 LIFE SCIENCES, GS FLX and GS JUNIOR are trademarks of Roche.

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