Illumina Beefs Up NGS Software Expertise

San Diego, CA 5/15/18—DNA sequencing and array-based technology firm Illumina has purchased Edico Genome. Financial details were not disclosed. Edico Genome’s DRAGEN Bio-IT Platform uses field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology and software algorithms to accelerate NGS solutions. “Our acquisition of Edico Genome is a big step toward realizing the vision of reducing sequencing data acquisition and analysis to a push-button, standardized process,” stated Susan Tousi, senior vice president, Product Development, at Illumina. “We expect to build on the solid foundation of DRAGEN to deliver a more streamlined and integrated sample to answer experience for our customers.” The company stated that acquisition will reduce its customers’ investment in computing infrastructure and enable greater emphasis on interpretation and reporting.

In contrast to most other NGS data analysis solutions, DRAGEN (Dynamic Read Analysis for Genomics) integrates hardware elements (FPGA) and software algorithms. The company focuses on secondary analysis and enables installation onsite, in the cloud or both. Benefits of the system include faster data processing speeds, quick reconfigurability pipelines and functions, and high accuracy. Customers include Baylor Genetics BGI and Genomics England.

This is Illumina’s first NGS data processing acquisition, which should enable the company to more efficiently integrate the NGS workflow from sample preparation through secondary data analysis.

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