Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is being created for use in clinical research and molecular diagnostics.

Qiagen (Hilden, Germany, and Germantown, MA, USA) is in the advanced stages of creating sample-to-result, efficient, and cost-effective NGS workflow solutions.

A broad range of Qiagen products include automated sample preparation solutions (nucleic acid extraction, DNA enrichment, library preparation, and targeted gene analysis panels)–with a next-generation benchtop sequencer in development with Intelligent Bio-Systems, Inc., (Waltham, MA, USA) a privately held company that Qiagen has acquired.

New bioinformatics, including solutions emerging from collaboration with SAP AG (Walldorf, Germany) will be incorporated into the workflows. A first sample-to-result NGS solution is expected to be launched next year, while details on specifications and launch plans are set to be released in early 2013.

In the first wave, Qiagen plans to offer eight preconfigured gene panels for use in cancer, as well as enable customers to create customized panels for specific molecular pathways and diseases.

A new system will offer a new dimension of benefits and cost savings. Key features include new sample technologies and software as well as the ability to process up to 20 individual samples in parallel without a need for pooling and bar coding, which can result in significant time and cost savings in clinical sequencing.

Qiagen intends to offer this new product portfolio across all of its customer classes, with priority focus on clinical research in academia and pharma as well as in some molecular diagnostics franchises, including select areas of personalized healthcare.

The next-generation sequencing market, which up to this point has been driven primarily by life sciences research, is estimated to be more than USD 1 billion a year and growing rapidly as the use of these technologies expands into new areas.

Related Links:
Qiagen
Intelligent Bio-Systems
SAP AG