Roche launches new target enrichment systems for genetic and translational research

PLEASANTON, Calif., Aug. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) today announced the global launch of the new HEAT-Seq¹ Target Enrichment Systems that provide rapid and accurate enrichment methods designed to improve the detection of variants in human genetics and cancer research.

Roche's HEAT-Seq Target Enrichment Systems offer researchers speed and reliability through a streamlined  workflow by combining Molecular Inversion Probe (MIP) technology with molecular barcodes. Molecular barcodes, or Unique Identifiers (UIDs), enable users to more accurately measure how much sequence data came from the sample itself, how much was unique and how much was redundant due to amplification during the PCR process. This capability, which cannot be provided by traditional PCR-based methods, offers a clearer understanding of the original sample's complexity and in turn, provides a quicker route to variant discovery and interpretation.

"The launch of our HEAT-Seq Target Enrichment Systems builds on Roche's commitment to driving the development of new tools for genomic medicine," said Neil Gunn, Head of Roche Sequencing Solutions. "They simplify the process of finding and validating mutants, allowing laboratories to use their resources more efficiently. The systems complement our existing SeqCap product line, enabling Roche to meet the needs of a wider set of labs and applications."

"Molecular Inversion Probe-based technologies offer many advantages, such as an easy-to-use workflow and the ability to scale. It's exciting to see that Roche has combined MIPs with molecular barcoding in a convenient commercial package.  I think it will accelerate scientists' progress in making important discoveries in fields such as human genetics," said Alexander Hoischen, Assistant Professor, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 

In addition to a number of next generation sequencing (NGS)-related acquisitions and partnerships announced in the last two years, Roche continues to invest in the development of innovative target enrichment products, an important part of an end-to-end sequencing solution. The development of the HEAT-Seq Target Enrichment Systems is a result of this investment.

For more information about HEAT-Seq Target Enrichment Systems, visit sequencing.roche.com/heat-seq. 

¹For life science research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. 

About Roche

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives.

Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.

Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. Twenty-nine medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Roche has been recognised as the Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry seven years in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2015 employed more than 91,700 people worldwide. In 2015, Roche invested CHF 9.3 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 48.1 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

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For further information please contact:

Roche Sequencing Solutions Media Relations
Elizabeth Baxter
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Phone: +1 925 251 6839
e-mail: [email protected]  

SOURCE Roche

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