UAE – Chinese biotechnology company MGI Tech has expanded its presence in the Middle East region with the launch of its revolutionary genome sequencing product, DNBSEQ-T20×2 sequencer, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

DNBSEQ-T20×2 uses an open-type large sequencing slide cut from a whole silicon wafer to support the operation of 6 slides simultaneously.

In a press release, MGI said: “DNBSEQ-T20×2 represents a T-series product evolution designed for large population genome projects.”

Enabled by innovative dip-immersion biochemistry, a single set of DNBSEQ-T20×2 can produce up to 50,000 whole genome sequencing (WGS) per year for under US$100 per 30x human genome. 

The revolutionary product produces up to 42 terabytes (TB) per run with PE100 or even 72TB per run with PE150 in a smaller footprint than the previous version DNBSEQ-T10×4.

DNBSEQ-T20×2 is equipped with 2 imagers and a rotational robotic arm handling 6 slides delivering 72TB/run to WGS, WGBS, WES, RNA-seq, single cell, Stereo-Seq, and other sequencing applications,” announced the biotechnology company.

Besides pooling and sequencing different libraries simultaneously, it produces high sequencing quality and high-throughput gene discovery with the lowest cost of operations.

DNBSEQ-T20×2 will allow laboratory technicians to efficiently perform the unthinkable process of consecutive robotic dipping of multiple slides in the same reagent while reducing unnecessary expenses.

The company advised clients that the latest genome sequencing equipment must be ordered with a certain annual minimum amount of consumables, noting that the low consumable cost is achieved by running simultaneously 6 slides at or near its running capacity.

Scientists from six countries spent 13 years mapping the first human genome at the cost of nearly US$3 billion. The cost of whole genome sequencing has fallen to less than US$1,000 today.

MGI pointed out that the commercialization of DNBSEQ-T20×2 will break the boundaries to further enable a US$100 human genome era.

This historical milestone is an important force driving the development and expansion of the genetic industry in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and beyond,” said Dr. Roy Tan, General Manager of MGI Asia Pacific.

With the commercialization of DNBSEQ-T20×2 in the UAE, MGI will accelerate the progress of the human genome understanding and medical applications, while reshaping the field of ecology.

The UAE market expansion aligns with MGI’s commitment to bringing innovative and cutting-edge genomics technologies to better support local customers and partners in the Middle East region.

In addition, the development comes days after the global life science tools leader introduced its revolutionary sequencing reagents and sequencers for use in the United States.

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