Roche Diagnostics K.K. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kei Maeda; hereinafter referred to as Roche) will launch "AXELIOS 1," a next-generation sequencing (NGS) solution employing its proprietary Sequencing by expansion (SBX) technology, for research use on July 1, 2026. With the introduction of this solution, Roche will strongly support cutting-edge genome and genetic research, expanding the possibilities of sequencing.
NGS, which comprehensively analyzes gene sequences, has greatly contributed to elucidating disease mechanisms. However, conventional technologies face barriers to rapid research progress, including "long turnaround time (TAT) to obtain results," "high running costs," and the "requirement for batch processing" where instruments are operated only after a certain number of samples have been collected.
Roche aims to realize a future where everyone can benefit from optimized genomic medicine. To achieve this, we believe a new solution equipped with "speed, flexibility, scalability, and accuracy" is necessary. AXELIOS 1 will be a crucial first step in building the future genomic medicine infrastructure, seamlessly supporting everything from "whole genome analysis" to comprehensively acquiring gene sequence data, to "panel assays" that examine a small number of target genes.
Proprietary Technology "SBX Technology"
KEY FIGURES
Supporting AXELIOS 1 is "SBX Technology," developed to overcome the limitations of previous NGS. It converts sample DNA sequence information into molecules called "expanders," which are expanded to more than 50 times the length of the original DNA. These molecules are passed through approximately 8 million micro-holes arranged on an ultra-small sensor. As they pass through, electrical signals from the "reporter codes (markers)" on the expanders are detected and read as gene sequences. This proprietary approach, which measures DNA information after stretching it to a "readable size" beforehand, overcomes conventional technical challenges and simultaneously achieves overwhelming speed and accurate data acquisition.
Benefits Brought by AXELIOS 1
High Flexibility and Compatibility with Longer Molecules: It flexibly supports a wide range of research applications, from short DNA sequences to longer sequences (approximately 200 bp to a maximum of about 1.5 kb). This enables flexible research without being constrained by the length of the sequence to be read.
High Throughput and Speed: Efficiency is achieved by completely separating the "expander synthesis" (approx. 4 hours) and "sequencing (reading)" processes. Reading time can be flexibly set from 15 minutes to a maximum of 4 hours. In a sequencing run of up to 4 hours, it outputs a large volume of data (1.8 to 2.7 Tb) equivalent to whole genome analysis for 16 individuals. Real-time data is generated during the sequencing reaction, allowing analysis results to be confirmed immediately after completion, significantly shortening processing times that previously took several days.
Excellent Scalability and Efficient Lab Operations: The data output (sequencing time) and the number of samples analyzed at once (batch size) can be flexibly adjusted according to the scale of the experiment and the urgency of the samples, from small-scale research to large-scale projects. Research can proceed on a lean and efficient schedule when needed, without waiting for a certain number of samples to accumulate.
High Accuracy According to Purpose: Two modes can be selected according to the research objective. The mode that prioritizes accuracy (SBX-Duplex) achieves an average base accuracy of Q38 or higher (extremely high precision of over 99.9%), while the mode that prioritizes the amount of data read (SBX-Simplex) achieves Q20 or higher (over 99% accuracy). This strongly supports complex genomic research, such as for cancer.
Product Overview
Product Name: AXELIOS 1 Sequencing Platform
Classification: Research equipment *Cannot be used for diagnostic purposes.
Main Specifications:
Measurement Method: Sequencing by expansion
Product Configuration:
・ AXELIOS 1 Synthesis Instrument: Automated expander synthesis device
・ AXELIOS 1 Sequencing Instrument: Sequencing module and analysis module
Output Data Volume: >1.8Tb (As high-accuracy base count obtained in a 4-hour sequencing run with SBX-Duplex)
Average Base Accuracy: >Q38 (in the case of SBX-Duplex)
Analysis Tools: SBX-optimized open-source (XOOS) analysis tools optimized for SBX data are hosted on a public site (GitHub). They are available for free use.
Appearance:
AXELIOS 1 Sequencing Platform
Left: AXELIOS 1 Synthesis Instrument: Automated expander synthesis device
Right: AXELIOS 1 Sequencing Instrument: Sequencing module and analysis module
Concept Diagram of SBX
Utilizing Roche's proprietary biochemical conversion reaction process,
Encode DNA template sequences into expanders, which are expandable surrogate polymers.
About Roche Diagnostics K.K. Roche, founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896, is one of the world's leading healthcare companies with a presence in over 150 countries and regions. Combining pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, it supports healthcare professionals and patients in making optimal treatment and decision choices. Roche Diagnostics K.K. is the Japanese subsidiary of Roche's diagnostics division. With the belief that knowing oneself now through testing enables one to make decisions that are true to oneself in life, we continue to support people at all stages of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis by providing innovative diagnostic solutions. As of July 2026, we have offices in 8 cities nationwide and operate in a wide range of disease areas, including in vitro diagnostics, medical devices, and reagents and equipment for research. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.roche-diagnostics.jp. You can also follow and view our Roche Instagram @roche_diagnostics_japan (https://www.instagram.com/roche_diagnostics_japan/).
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 製品発売