Charlotte, North Carolina, and Hilden, Germany 11/9/16—QIAGEN announced that it will relaunch its GeneReader NGS System in the US after its removal from the market in September due to a preliminary injunction (see IBO 9/15/16). To be released in early 2017, the relaunched GeneReader uses new sequencing chemistry. The chemistry will be available to early-access customers starting in December. “We remain convinced of our intellectual property positions on our legacy GeneReader chemistry,” commented QIAGEN CEO Peer M. Schatz. “That said, we are very proud to be able to today unveil a completely new and different chemistry with even further enhanced sequencing performance characteristics. QIAGEN’s fast reaction to the preliminary restriction of customers’ access to a superior Sample to Insight solution is a testament to the depth and breadth of our technology and intellectual property portfolio.” QIAGEN stated the relaunch was due to accelerated upgrade programs.

QIAGEN announced this month during its Analyst & Investor Day that it expects 55–60 account placements of the GeneReader this year. The company also announced that it will release its Actionable Insight Tumor Panel with the new chemistry in 2017. Future plans for the GeneReader system include BRCA testing as well as customized content development.