Tech Update

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

Collaboration aims to accelerate human genome analysis and enable advancements in personalised healthcare

Dr Bhuwnesh Agrawal

Roche and IBM recently announced an agreement to develop a nanopore-based sequencer that will directly read and decode human DNA quickly and efficiently. Focused on advancing IBM's recently published 'DNA Transistor' technology, the collaboration will take advantage of IBM's leadership in microelectronics, information technology and computational biology and Roche's expertise in medical diagnostics and genome sequencing.

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.

"By 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," said Ajay Royyuru, Senior Manager of the Computational Biology Department at IBM Research. "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."

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 individual'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.

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

Commenting on the latest development, Dr Bhuwnesh Agrawal, Chairman & MD, Roche Diagnostics India, said, "Human genetic diversity has been recognised to have important implications on disease profiling, drug discovery and effectiveness of drugs. We have already seen a shift in the area of genome research from US to Asia more so since the population in this region comprises of diverse ethnic groups. This alliance will help redefine the future of genome sequencing in India as India is poised to take the lead in clinical research in the coming years".

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

EH News Bureau