Roche Acquires Sequencing Informatics Firm
Bina has 25 employees, according to Roche. Asked about the advantages of Bina’s technology and how Bina differentiates itself from competitors, Mr. Zabrowski told IBO, “Bina’s Genomic Management Solution (Bina-GMS) provides end-to-end computational solutions that are fast and affordable. Bina has demonstrated expertise in bioinformatics and high-performance computing software development and deployment. Its solutions are currently deployed within single research labs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and, more recently, translational research centers.” He also noted the company’s talent base. Earlier this year, Roche expanded its development of sequencing technology through the purchase of nanopore-sequencer developer Genia Technologies (see IBO 6/15/14), an investment in Stratos Genomics’ chemistry for nanopore sequencing (see IBO 6/30/15) and the acquisition of exclusive rights to AbVitro’s target-enrichment technology (see IBO 10/15/14).
Pleasanton, CA 21/19/14; Redwood, CA 12/19/14—Roche has agreed to acquire Bina Technologies for an undisclosed amount. Bina provides a big-data platform for the centralized management and processing of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data for the academic and translational-research markets. The Bina Genomic Management Solution (Bina-GMS) enables the fast and scalable analysis of genomic data. “Informatics and data management are critical to providing a seamless, end-to-end sequencing solution,” stated Dan Zabrowski, head of Roche Sequencing. “Bina’s products are designed to improve the efficiency and value of genomic analysis, and the company continues to develop new methodologies and algorithms that link NGS data to disease-relevant genetic markers.” With the acquisition, Roche will accelerate the development and commercialization of Bina-GMS for multiple sequencing technologies and will also develop a solution for Roche’s sequencing systems. The Roche Sequencing Unit will integrate Bina in the first quarter of 2015.
