Roche announced that it has acquired Stratos Genomics, an early-stage sequencing technology company to advance the development of Roche’s nanopore sequencer. The acquisition provides Roche access to Stratos Genomics unique chemistry, Sequencing by Expansion (SBX). The Roche nanopore sequencer, once developed, will utilise a novel approach that combines electronic and biological components to sequence DNA for fast, flexible and cost-effective clinical diagnostic testing. “Roche is dedicated to creating innovative diagnostics for the most challenging clinical conditions with techniques that are tailored to individual genetic and disease profiles. These solutions address the demands of research and clinical practice to deliver on the promise of personalised healthcare for patients,” said Thomas Schinecker, CEO Roche Diagnostics. “We look forward to further advancing our sequencing technology as we move to the next generation of healthcare and welcome the world-class scientists and employees from Stratos Genomics to Roche.”

The addition of the SBX chemistry, once fully developed, is expected to provide the healthcare community an affordable, fast and flexible result, for multiple targeted clinical applications as well as whole exome and whole genome sequencing. “We are thrilled to join the Roche family, which will allow us to combine our unique Sequencing by Expansion chemistry with the Roche nanopore sequencer,” said Mark Kokoris, President & CEO at Stratos Genomics. “With our combined expertise and complementary technologies, we are well-positioned to open the path to deliver scalable, high-performance sequencing to clinicians and researchers.” Stratos Genomics will continue operations in Seattle, Washington, U.S. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.