#United States #Genomics #Houston #Avance Biosciences #NGS Center

Avance Biosciences Opens Next-Generation Sequencing Center

Avance Biosciences has proudly unveiled its Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Center of Excellence in Houston, a dedicated facility aimed at enhancing the sequencing capabilities essential for drug development. This strategic initiative is designed to streamline and elevate the company’s sequencing services, extending across research, preclinical and clinical studies, diagnostics, and GMP-compliant testing for biologics as well as cell and gene therapies.

The center responds to the increasing demand for advanced sequencing solutions that are regulatory-ready. It features a diverse array of cutting-edge platforms—including Illumina, Element Biosciences, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio—which offer both short-read and long-read sequencing capabilities. In addition, the center incorporates single-cell technologies such as 10x Genomics’ Chromium and Mission Bio's Tapestri, significantly enhancing its operational scope.

Led by an experienced multidisciplinary team comprising molecular biology, genomics, assay development, and bioinformatics specialists, the NGS Center provides comprehensive sequencing solutions. These solutions encompass GMP drug substance and product characterization, lot release, clinical and preclinical studies, CLIA-compliant assays, and diagnostics validation. This broad scope offers support for a multitude of drug modalities including biologics, RNA therapeutics, and cell and gene therapies.

Xuening Huang, CEO and CTO of Avance Biosciences, expressed that, “This is a significant milestone for Avance Biosciences as we continue to support the evolving needs of biologics and cell and gene therapy developers.” The consolidation of state-of-the-art sequencing platforms alongside top-tier scientific talent positions Avance as a proficient entity ready to tackle complex genomic hurdles with precision and compliance.

Since the inception of GMP-compliant NGS testing in 2013, Avance has consistently been at the forefront of regulated sequencing services. The introduction of the NGS Center solidifies the firm’s capability to deliver accurate, reproducible, and regulatory-aligned sequencing data across a wide range of therapeutic items. According to Cal Froberg, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “Our clients trust us not only for our technical offers but also for the regulatory insights needed to propel programs forward.”

In a world where international sample shipment regulations are increasingly scrutinized, the necessity for conducting advanced and cost-effective NGS testing domestically has never been clearer. Clients can feel assured that their samples will be processed within the U.S.

The center is also poised to host an Open House in September 2025, allowing clients, collaborators, and industry participants to witness firsthand the capabilities of the newly launched facility. This event will provide an in-depth look at the center's technologies, team, and array of services.

As Avance Biosciences continues to expand its analytical and bioanalytical service offerings, the NGS Center of Excellence stands as a pivotal component of the company’s commitment to accelerating drug development with integrity, precision, and innovation. With its updated technologies and growing expertise, Avance is set to play a significant role in the future of drug development and biologics research.

For further details, visit Avance Biosciences or contact them at [email protected]