Roche unveils breakthrough SBX Sequencing Technology

GERMANY – Roche has introduced a groundbreaking advancement in next-generation sequencing with its proprietary Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology.

This innovative system combines state-of-the-art SBX chemistry with an advanced CMOS sensor module, resulting in an ultra-rapid, highly accurate, and exceptionally scalable sequencing platform.

At the core of this breakthrough is a novel approach to encoding genetic information. Unlike traditional methods, SBX technology converts the sequence of a target nucleic acid—whether DNA or RNA—into a measurable surrogate polymer known as an Xpandomer.

These Xpandomers are approximately fifty times longer than the original molecule, allowing the technology to encode sequence information with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

This means the system produces clear and robust signals with minimal background interference, which is crucial for achieving highly accurate single-molecule nanopore sequencing.

Furthermore, the integration of the innovative CMOS-based sensor module supports parallel processing, ensuring that this sequencing platform delivers real-time base calls and comprehensive analyses.

This feature is particularly important because it allows for the simultaneous processing of numerous samples, facilitating both high-throughput and flexible sequencing operations.

Additionally, this technology’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of genomic applications, including whole genome and whole exome sequencing and detailed RNA sequencing studies.

Moreover, SBX technology is set to revolutionize how researchers and clinicians approach complex genetic investigations.

Next-generation sequencing has long been essential for deciphering genetic, genomic, and cellular information; however, the enhanced speed and efficiency offered by SBX technology promise to accelerate breakthroughs in understanding gene functions and interactions.

This is especially significant for unravelling the complexities of diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions—areas involving the interactions of hundreds or even thousands of genes.

In a recent statement, Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics, highlighted the transformative potential of SBX technology.

He noted that this innovation not only addresses the limitations of existing sequencing solutions but also provides unmatched speed, efficiency, and flexibility.

Additionally, Mark Kokoris, Head of Roche’s SBX Technology, emphasized that overcoming the longstanding signal-to-noise challenge is a key driver of this technology’s overall efficiency.

He explained that users have a significant advantage over competitors by being able to operate flexibly across various throughput scales with a single sequencing system.

SBX chemistry, originally invented by Mark Kokoris and Robert McRuer—the co-founders of Stratos Genomics, which Roche acquired in 2020—is a testament to collaborative innovation.