Announcement • Jun 29
Roche Announces Launch Of AXELIOS 1 Sequencing Platform
Roche announced the launch of AXELIOS 1 based on the innovative SBX technology, with a unique combination of accuracy, speed, flexibility, scalability and cost efficiency that addresses critical bottlenecks in genomics and potentially in clinical research. AXELIOS 1 will enable researchers to make significant discoveries that enhance understanding of diseases, with the potential to replace existing technologies in pivotal research areas. AXELIOS 1 delivers a unique combination of accuracy, speed, scalability and cost efficiency, giving laboratories of all sizes the freedom to customise their workflows and explore a wider array of applications. Powered by innovative SBX technology, the platform is capable of end-to-end, same-day whole-genome sequencing in research workflows, with accurate results within hours. The AXELIOS 1 platform holds promise for research laboratories and potentially for a broad range of clinical settings in the future. The AXELIOS 1 platform’s flexible sequencing run setup and high-throughput effortlessly handle everything from small-scale studies to massive genomic projects, ensuring laboratories can expand their research capabilities with a single instrument. For researchers, this flexible and open setup grants broader freedom of exploration and new workflows that can truly expand knowledge of complex diseases. Through collaborations with leading institutions, such as Hartwig Medical Foundation and Broad Clinical Labs, AXELIOS 1 launches with proven real-world capabilities, including studies that confirm the AXELIOS 1 platform delivers impressive accuracy and throughput with record-breaking speed and better cost efficiency. These collaborations also extend to library preparation and analysis tools, including a partnership with 10x Genomics for single-cell and spatial application kits, and support for SBX via Google DeepVariant as well as the open-source suite of XOOS tools. AXELIOS 1 is Roche’s next-generation single-molecule sequencing platform and the first powered by proprietary sequencing by expansion (SBX) technology. The platform converts DNA/RNA into high signal-to-noise 'Xpandomers,' which are measured by a sequencing instrument using a reusable complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) sensor containing millions of nanopores. This architecture enables accurate, ultra-rapid, flexible and high-throughput, single-molecule sequencing with near real-time analysis. Fundamentally designed for flexibility and performance, the AXELIOS 1 platform can be used for smaller, faster batches or larger projects without changing systems or workflows, and it is capable of producing whole-genome results the same day. Roche will be offering library prep kits and a free open-source bioinformatics analysis suite (XOOS) tailored for SBX technology. In addition, the platform is built to allow for the flexible use of other life sciences tools, enabling high compatibility across a broad breadth of research applications. Since the SBX technology was unveiled in early 2025, multiple research applications have been tested on the technology as proof of principle, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), RNA-sequencing, single-cell RNA, spatial, and methylation, among others. Early-access users have also demonstrated practical research applications across oncology, genetics and infectious diseases, as well as garnering the world record for fastest DNA sequencing technique. AXELIOS 1 is for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. The SBX technology is a novel sequencing approach which uses a sophisticated biochemical process to encode the sequence of a target nucleic acid molecule (DNA or RNA) into a measurable surrogate polymer called an “Xpandomer”. The Xpandomers, which are fifty times longer than the original molecule, encode the sequence information into high signal-to-noise reporters, meaning they provide clear signals with minimal background noise when threaded through a nanopore, thereby significantly improving the accuracy of single-molecule sequencing. The SBX chemistry is coupled with a reusable, high-throughput CMOS sensor module and an advanced analysis module that enables ultra-rapid, near real-time base calls and analysis. This module is designed with a highly scalable and flexible architecture for cost-efficient sequencing across different project sizes, from small-scale studies to large projects involving thousands of samples. Workflows can also be adapted for various experimental needs, including reads of up to ~1,500bp under appropriate sample and library prep conditions and ultra-fast processing from sample to Variant Calling Format (VCF). This versatility makes the SBX technology suitable for a variety of applications, including but not limited to whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing.
