Automated Nanoscale RNA Library Preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing to Deliver Significant Savings and Workflow Efficiency for the Molecular Laboratory
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM), an innovative biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight, today announced it will introduce an automated RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) library preparation workflow in the third quarter.
Developed for use with the Fluidigm® Juno™ microfluidic system, the automated RNA-seq workflow significantly reduces cost per sample and hands-on time by up to 50 percent for the molecular laboratory. Delivering greater efficiency and flexible scalability, the RNA-seq workflow solution is ideal for sequencing centers, core facilities and commercial service providers.
RNA-seq is a high-value research application that enables transcriptome profiling from diverse species and sample types using next-generation sequencing. Scaling RNA-seq library preparation in the molecular laboratory to meet increasing sample volumes, however, presents an ongoing challenge. Reagent kits are costly and manual processing requires significant hands-on time. As sample volume increases, laboratory options for automation are also currently limited. Although customization of large automated platforms is an option, these can require significant capital investment and laboratory resources to configure. Representing an attractive high-growth market that we estimate today is at approximately $300 million, RNA-seq library preparation is ideal for microfluidic automation.
Providing ready-to-go automation for mid-to-high-throughput laboratories, the Fluidigm Juno microfluidics system offers a robust and highly efficient solution for automating full-length RNA-seq library preparation as well as targeted DNA and RNA sequencing. Taking microfluidics-based automation to the next level, the new workflow integrates solid-phase sample enrichment with sequential enzymatic reactions, all on a single cartridge. The new cartridge also offers the ability to extend the benefits of microfluidics automation across other large multi-step molecular workflows in the future.
“We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new automated RNA sequencing library preparation workflow solution,” said Chris Linthwaite, President and CEO of Fluidigm. “We have already received strong, worldwide interest in this new product, including from cancer centers, academic medical research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations. Providing us with a new opportunity to capture high-volume accounts and increase consumables pull-through within our expanding Juno installed base, this upcoming product launch represents an important milestone in our strategy to accelerate the growth of our microfluidics business.”
About Fluidigm
Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) is an industry-leading biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight. We focus on the most pressing needs in translational and clinical research, including cancer, immunology, and immunotherapy. Using proprietary CyTOF®and microfluidics technologies, we develop, manufacture, and market multi-omic solutions to drive meaningful insights in health and disease, identify biomarkers to inform decisions, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies. Our customers are leading academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and plant and animal research laboratories worldwide. Together with them, we strive to increase the quality of life for all. For more information, visit fluidigm.com.
Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, CyTOF, and Juno are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Forward-Looking Statement for Fluidigm
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding the anticipated launch of an RNA sequencing library preparation product, anticipated benefits to customers and applications for such product, and expected demand and potential market sizes for such product. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to risks relating to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; potential product performance and quality issues; intellectual property risks; and competition. Information on these and additional risks and uncertainties and other information affecting Fluidigm’sbusiness and operating results is contained in the Fluidigm Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.
Contacts:
Media:
Michaeline Bunting
Senior Director, Marketing
650 737 4190
michaeline.bunting@fluidigm.com
Investors:
Agnes Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
650 416 7423
agnes.lee@fluidigm.com