Illumina Launches the BeadXpress System Targeting Research and Clinical Development Applications
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Illumina, Inc. has announced the launch of the BeadXpress™ System. Based on its proprietary VeraCode™ digital microbead technology, this system represents a step forward for research and clinical development applications. Utilizing inscribed digital microbeads, VeraCode technology provides high-quality data, broad multiplexing capability, and assay flexibility.
According to Company, the two-color laser detection capability of the BeadXpress system is ideally suited for low- to mid multiplex experiments. Using this system, researchers can assay tens to hundreds of analytes in a single sample at one time.
Key application areas include biomarker research and validation, pharmaceutical development, industrial testing, agriculture, clinical research, and the development of molecular diagnostic assays. BeadXpress systems and associated reagent kits are currently shipping.
Duke University and John’s Hopkins University have each recently received BeadXpress systems as part of a priority access program.
“Human disease studies have made remarkable progress since the introduction of the Infinium whole-genome genotyping BeadChips. The addition of VeraCode and the BeadXpress system will fulfill a critical unmet need for researchers who want to replicate the most associated polymorphisms emerging from these studies, allowing us to accurately, inexpensively, and quickly retest the top 50 or 100 polymorphisms in very large sample sizes,” said Kevin Shianna, Ph.D., Director of Duke Universities IGSP Genotyping Facility.
He continued, “We look forward to applying this technology to our own studies in both host response to infectious disease and schizophrenia.”
The BeadXpress system and VeraCode technology were piloted at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of Pittsburgh. Results reported by researchers at UCI showed data quality, ease-of-use, and high concordance with Illumina’s BeadArray technology.
“This is a revolution in technology that provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for researchers performing a wide variety of experiments, including biomarker validation, routine testing, and the development of molecular diagnostics,” said Mickie Henshall, Senior Product Manager of Molecular Diagnostics at Illumina.
“This novel technology enables rapid reaction rates of solution-based assays with the multiplexing power commonly seen with microarrays,” Henshal added.
“In January we announced research collaborations with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Mayo Clinic to develop screening assays that profile inherited and complex diseases using VeraCode technology. These agreements are an example of our potential to implement new research and clinical tests in the diagnostic market,” said Jay Flatley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Illumina.
“In addition to demonstrating clear economic benefits, excellent performance, and efficiency in the lab, the BeadXpress system represents an integral part of our broader vision for the deployment of genomics in medicine,” Flatley continued.
