Roche Partners with DNA Electronics to Develop a Low-Cost, High-Throughput DNA Sequencing System

As part of the agreement, Roche has signed a non-exclusive license for relevant IP from DNA Electronics’ proprietary semiconductor technology portfolio. This will enable sensitive detection of nucleotide incorporation during sequencing.

The technology will build on 454 Life Sciences’ current pyrosequencing-based sequencing platforms by enabling a seamless evolution from optical detection to inexpensive, highly scalable electrochemical detection. The collaboration leverages 454 Life Sciences’ long read sequencing chemistry with DNA Electronics’ unique knowledge of semiconductor design and expertise in pH-mediated detection of nucleotide insertions, to produce a long read, high density sequencing platform. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The promise of routine human genome sequencing continues to inspire the scientific community, particularly in cancer research, where genetics play a large role in disease detection, progression and treatment. Combining the scalability and cost savings of semiconductor technology, a result of decades of advances in the computing industry, with 454 Life Sciences’ long read chemistry has the potential to enable comprehensive human genome mutation and structural variation identification within hours.

“We’re pleased to work together with DNA Electronics, the inventors of ISFET DNA sequencing technology, to bring the benefits of semiconductors to the field of sequencing,” said Christopher McLeod, President and CEO of 454 Life Sciences. “This collaboration nicely combines our expertise in long read sequencing chemistry with DNA Electronics’ understanding of the ISFET technology and semiconductor design.”

Commenting on the signing of the agreement with Roche, DNA Electronics Chairman and CEO, Professor Chris Toumazou, said, “We have always believed that ISFET semiconductor technology will play a significant role in the future of life science and healthcare markets. We are delighted to embark on this collaboration with 454 Life Sciences, a pioneer in the field of high-throughput sequencing.”