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Illumina Unveils Protein Prep for Advanced Proteomic Research

Illumina, a leader in genomic technology, has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of its new product, Illumina Protein Prep. This innovative assay promises to enhance proteomic insights and facilitate drug discovery on an unprecedented scale. With the capability to measure 9,500 unique human protein targets, Protein Prep sets the stage for a new era in research, where proteins can be studied in much greater detail than ever before.

The Need for Enhanced Proteomics

Proteomic research has always faced challenges in scalability, reproducibility, and specificity. Traditional methods often limited the number of proteins that could be analyzed effectively. Illumina Protein Prep addresses these challenges, making large-scale proteomics studies not just possible, but also economically viable. By integrating this technology into genomics studies, researchers can now investigate critical areas such as cancer, cardiometabolic conditions, and immune responses with greater accuracy.

Improving Drug Discovery Efforts

Steve Barnard, Chief Technology Officer at Illumina, expressed the significance of this launch, stating, "Next generation sequencing-based proteomics brings crucial speed, precision, reproducibility, and scalability to large-scale studies, rapidly advancing drug discovery processes for our biopharmaceutical ecosystem partners." The ambition is not merely to streamline existing processes but to transform the entire landscape of biological discovery.

Key Features of Protein Prep

One of the standout features of Illumina Protein Prep is its use of SOMAmer™ technology, which enables the detection of a vast array of proteins simultaneously. This capability means that researchers can ask more complex biological questions, evaluating interactions and functions among multiple proteins in one cohesive experiment. Coupled with Illumina's NovaSeq™ sequencing platforms, the assay maximizes discovery potential by allowing the concurrent analysis of thousands of proteins.

Moreover, the data generated from these experiments can be processed through Illumina's DRAGEN™ Protein Quantification software. This software works in conjunction with Connected Multiomics to turn intricate proteomic data into understandable insights, effectively bridging the gap between raw data and actionable information for researchers and clinicians.

Feedback from Early Adopters

Since its introduction through early access programs, Illumina Protein Prep has gained praise from nearly 40 collaborating research institutions. Many have highlighted the assay's scalability, high consistency in results, and the ease of its integration into existing workflows. Approximately 30,000 samples have been processed using the Illumina Protein Prep 6K, with over 6,000 samples handled with the recently enhanced Illumina Protein Prep 9.5K assay.

Tackling Rare Diseases

Illumina's commitment extends into improving the diagnosis of rare diseases through enhanced proteomic studies. The technology helps bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, offering real-time insights into cellular activities as they transition from healthy to diseased states. This approach is particularly promising in the realm of cancer biomarker discovery.

A notable outcome from the Genomics England initiative, involving 100,000 Genomes, has utilized Protein Prep to boost diagnostic yield from approximately 25% to about 32.5% in rare disease cohorts, signaling a substantial improvement in diagnostic efficiency.

Research Focus on Rare Melanomas

Kasey Couts, Ph.D., co-director of the Rare Melanoma Center at the University of Colorado, describes how Illumina Protein Prep is an invaluable tool for understanding rare melanoma variants and improving treatment strategies. With the ability to analyze thousands of proteins, researchers can explore the distinctive protein signatures found in these rare forms of melanoma that are less responsive to conventional immunotherapy.

Future Developments and Collaborations

Looking ahead, Illumina is expanding its proteomic efforts with projects like a pilot program involving the UK Biobank, aimed at analyzing 50,000 samples using Protein Prep. The collaboration will enhance the research community’s access to high-quality proteomic data, paving the way for even deeper biological discoveries.

Additionally, Illumina recently announced its acquisition of SomaLogic, a leader in proteomic technologies, bolstering its multomics strategy and expanding its capabilities in this pivotal area of research.

As Protein Prep continues to make waves in the scientific community, it reaffirms Illumina’s commitment to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes globally. Through innovative technology and collaborative initiatives, the company aims to transform how researchers study complex biological systems and develop groundbreaking therapies. For more information on Illumina Protein Prep and its capabilities, visit illumina.com/proteinprep.

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