BURLINGTON, Mass., May 23, 2025 (BROAD Clinical Labs) — Roche announced a strategic collaboration with Broad Clinical Labs to develop and pilot groundbreaking applications using Roche’s recently unveiled Sequencing By Expansion (SBX) technology. This partnership transforms clinical genomics by establishing “the SBX technology as a routine offering for fast, scalable sequencing for Broad Clinical Lab’s research community,” with initial focus on trio-based whole genome sequencing of critically ill newborns and their biological parents. The program aims to establish “a future state where whole genome sequencing becomes a routine component of clinical care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)—enabling precise, timely diagnoses and improved outcomes for infants with suspected genetic disorders.”

The initiative leverages SBX technology’s “ultra-fast turnaround times, exceptional scalability, and cost efficiency” to revolutionize neonatal intensive care units where genomic insights become routine clinical tools. Building on Broad Clinical Labs’ leadership in human whole genome sequencing with over 750,000 genomes processed, the collaboration accelerates precision medicine through “high-throughput performance with a flexible workflow” designed for time-sensitive clinical settings. According to Roche Diagnostics CEO Matt Sause, the technology “offers the next-generation of fast, scalable sequencing solutions” that support “better outcomes for patients through cutting-edge genomic technology,” while Broad Clinical Labs Chair and CSO Niall Lennon noted the partnership opens “exciting new possibilities” for clinical and translational research.

Read the full article on the Broad Clinical Labs Website