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Launch of Illumina® Protein Prep: A New Chapter in Proteomics

Illumina Inc., a global leader in cutting-edge genomic technology, is excited to announce the launch of its new assay, Illumina Protein Prep. Designed to enhance the scope of proteomics research, this innovative solution promises to facilitate groundbreaking discoveries in the realm of drug development. By leveraging next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, Illumina Protein Prep is set to revolutionize how scientists analyze protein interactions and functions.

Pioneering the Future of Proteomics

Proteomics, the large-scale study of proteins, plays a critical role in understanding biological processes, particularly in identifying disease biomarkers and developing targeted therapies. The Illumina Protein Prep is a powerful tool that can measure 9,500 unique human protein targets, providing extensive insights into protein biology and expression across various health conditions. This capability is pivotal in linking proteomics with genomic studies, especially for cancer research and cardiometabolic diseases.

Steve Barnard, CTO of Illumina, emphasized the significance of this product release. He stated, "The integration of NGS-based proteomics offers the speed and reproducibility required for large-scale studies, ultimately accelerating drug discovery pipelines for our biopharmaceutical partners." Such capabilities are essential for advancing understanding and treatment of complicated diseases.

Streamlined Process for Enhanced Discoveries

The Illumina Protein Prep assay delivers a sample-to-insights workflow, which simplifies the testing process and allows for more efficient large-scale studies. This streamlined approach is especially beneficial for pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and translational research initiatives, enabling them to quickly transition from data collection to therapeutic development.

The assay utilizes SOMAmer™ technology, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and sensitivity in detecting proteins. Coupled with Illumina's NovaSeq™ platforms, researchers are positioned to interrogate thousands of proteins in a single experiment, optimizing the discovery process in proteomics.

“By merging Illumina Protein Prep with our sequencing technologies, we unlock vast potential for discovering the link between genotype and phenotype,” stated a leading researcher involved in early access testing.

Collaborations and Early Access Insights

Since the initiation of the early access program, Illumina has collaborated with nearly 40 partners who have shared their positive feedback regarding the assay’s dimensionality, consistency, and user-friendly workflow. Approximately 30,000 samples have been processed using the Illumina Protein Prep 6K, while over 6,000 samples have utilized the 9.5K version, marking a significant milestone in proteomic analysis.

Among notable partnerships, Genomics England has implemented the Illumina Protein Prep within its 100,000 Genomes Project, aiming to enhance diagnostic yields. Preliminary data from a pilot study showed a 7.5% increase in diagnostic yield, demonstrating the clinical relevance of this innovative assay in identifying and understanding rare diseases and cancer.

Expanding Horizons in Rare Disease Research

Illumina Protein Prep is also pivotal in research focused on rare diseases. Current studies are exploring how proteomics can bridge gaps in genomic data by offering real-time evaluations of cellular activities that influence health outcomes. For example, clinicians working on rare melanomas are leveraging the assay to gain insights into treatment efficacy in less common forms of skin cancer.

Dr. Kasey Couts, co-director at the CU Center for Rare Melanomas, remarked, “Illumina Protein Prep enables us to identify a staggering number of proteins, vastly improving our understanding of how rare melanomas resist current immunotherapy treatments.” This insight could lead to the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic targets.

Looking Ahead

As Illumina continues expanding its proteomics capabilities, recent collaborations with leaders in the biopharmaceutical industry, including a definitive agreement to acquire SomaLogic, indicate a strategic focus on enriching the proteomics market. This acquisition will bolster Illumina’s offerings in multiomic applications, enhancing their current sequencing systems' capabilities to facilitate comprehensive biological insights.

In conclusion, the launch of Illumina Protein Prep marks a significant advancement in the field of proteomics, strengthening the integration of protein studies with genomic research. As this innovative assay becomes widely available, it is set to transform our understanding of complex diseases, ultimately paving the way for more effective therapies and personalized medicine.

For more information about Illumina Protein Prep, visit illumina.com/proteinprep.