Pleasanton, CA 8/28/18—Genomics firm 10x Genomics has acquired Epinomics for an undisclosed amount. Epinomics’ patent portfolio includes foundational IP relating to ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing). 10x Genomics plans to integrate Epinomics’ technology into its Chromium Single Cell ATAC Solution launching later this year. “Today’s acquisition gives us a strong team, IP and technology that has been enthusiastically validated by customers,” commented 10x Genomics CEO and Co-founder Serge Saxonov. “It provides a foundation for powerful new products and positions us well to become the leader in epigenomics.”

ATAC-seq is used to study the structure and composition of chromatin genome wide. Advantages include a two-step protocol, speed, less bias due to the use of no antibodies or tags, and the requirement of only 500-50,000 cells. Epigenomics provides ATAC-seq data analysis tools. Last year, the company announced a collaboration with Stanford University’s Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy to use biomarkers for immuno-oncology.