"Having two Genome Sequencer FLX Systems available enables us to execute very demanding sequencing projects on short notice and handle production peaks much better. For example, we are able to run one instrument with a paired-end application and the other one with single reads," said Thomas Pohl, explaining the company s decision for the new acquisition. "Timely production of high quality data is crucial if you want to be a reliable sequencing partner to industry and academia."
With two Genome Sequencer FLX Systems, GATC Biotech will be able to support a wide variety of sequencing projects including de novo sequencing and re-sequencing of genomes, metagenomics, RNA analysis, and targeted sequencing of DNA regions of interest. One Genome Sequencer FLX system generates 400,000 reads with an average read length of 250 base pairs, resulting in 100 million base pairs in only 7.5 hours. With more than 160 peer-reviewed publications, the Genome Sequencer FLX System is the most productive next-generation sequencing platform available, delivering researchers high quality, comprehensive results.
"We are impressed by the growth of GATC Biotech s sequencing business, which reflects their dedication to customers. By doubling 454 Sequencing capacity, GATC Biotech is responding to the strong demand for long reads and high quality results at an affordable price point," said Chris McLeod, President of 454 Life Sciences, a member of the Roche Group. "GATC Biotech s addition of a second Genome Sequencer FLX System demonstrates the platform s status as a sequencing standard."
454 Life Sciences develops and commercializes the innovative Genome Sequence System for ultra-high-throughput DNA sequencing. Specific applications include de novo sequencing and re-sequencing of genomes, metagenomics, RNA analysis, and targeted sequencing of DNA regions of interest. The hallmarks of 454 Sequencing are its simple, unbiased sample preparation and long, highly accurate sequence reads, including paired reads. Sequencing technology of 454 has enabled many peer-reviewed studies in diverse research fields such as cancer and infectious disease research, drug discovery, marine biology, anthropology, paleontology and many more.
For additional information, please visit http://www.454.com. For more information on the technology, visit www.roche-applied-science.com/....
About GATC Biotech
With 18 years' experience, GATC Biotech is a leading provider of DNA sequencing services and bioinformatics software for industry and academia worldwide. GATC Biotech offers complete sequencing solutions, from sample prep to high throughput genome sequencing and bioinformatics. It is the only company in Europe that uses all four leading high throughput sequencing technologies, the ABI 3730XL and SOLiD System, Illumina Genome Analyzer and Roche Genome Sequencer FLX System, providing the flexibility to tailor programs to meet customer requirements. The sequencing services are complemented by a range of innovative bioinformatics software including Lasergene(TM) (DNA sequence analysis software) by DNASTAR Inc., Mutation Surveyor(TM) (DNA variant analysis software) and GeneMarker(TM) (Software for AFLP and genotyping) by SoftGenetics, as well as ERGO(TM) (genome analysis suite) by Integrated Genomics. Headquartered in Constance, Germany, GATC Biotech has more than 60 employees and serves over 10,000 customers in 40 countries. The company has subsidiaries in France, the UK and Sweden. GATC Biotech is privately owned and has been ISO-certified since 1997.