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What’s in Today’s Brief? (February 26th Preview)
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Ultima Genomics Launches UG200 Series: Solaris 2.0 Promises Faster, Cheaper Sequencing
Ultima Genomics unveiled its UG200 instrument family and Solaris 2.0 workflows, announcing higher throughput, reduced footprint and a 1‑day library‑to‑data turnaround aimed at population‑scale genomics and clinical applications. The UG200 Ultra is positioned to sequence upward of 60,000 whole genomes per year at 30x coverage, with pricing and automation options designed to broaden access to high‑volume sequencing. Concurrently, Ultima signed a workflow automation pact with Hamilton to automate sample prep and amplification, enabling labs to scale operations around the UG200 platform. The Hamilton integration targets seamless sample‑to‑data pipelines, addressing bottlenecks in library prep and amplification that can limit throughput and turnaround in high‑volume settings. For genomics service labs and large translational programs, the combined instrument and automation push shortens time‑to‑result and lowers per‑sample costs—variables that drive adoption in cancer monitoring, population studies and AI‑driven biology workflows. The moves were highlighted ahead of Ultima’s product demos at AGBT and signal intensified competition in high‑throughput sequencing and lab automation.
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SPT Labtech, Illumina Partner: Automated MiSeq i100 Prep for Decentralized Genomics
SPT Labtech announced a strategic collaboration with Illumina to develop an automated sample‑preparation platform for the MiSeq i100 benchtop sequencer, aiming to bring standardized NGS workflows into decentralized clinical settings. The work focuses on reproducible library prep for oncology and other clinical applications where rapid, high‑quality genomic characterization is needed close to the point of care. Illumina highlighted the growing installed base of the MiSeq i100 and the need for solutions that let smaller labs perform robust NGS without large central facility overhead. SPT Labtech emphasized the partnership will expand its clinical genomics footprint and reduce turnaround times in hospital and regional lab environments. The collaboration addresses a practical gap between high‑throughput core labs and smaller clinical providers, targeting improved control over sample quality and faster diagnostic decisioning.
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Lex Diagnostics Commercializes Velo: FDA‑Cleared 10‑Minute qPCR Hits Market
Lex Diagnostics has started commercialization of Velo, an FDA 510(k)‑cleared and CLIA‑waived cartridge‑based qPCR system that yields sample‑to‑answer results in roughly 10 minutes for flu and COVID targets. The Velo system uses ultra‑fast thermal cycling through flat reaction chambers and novel chemistries to achieve extremely rapid PCR without increasing reagent concentrations. The company says cartridges are inexpensive to manufacture and the platform is designed for point‑of‑care use in clinics and urgent care settings, where clinicians increasingly demand actionable molecular results within the timeframe of a patient visit. Lex reported production capacity and early commercial scale‑up plans, positioning Velo against other fast MDx systems that target clinic workflows. If uptake matches claims, the device could compress diagnostic pathways for respiratory infections, reduce empirical prescribing, and reinforce the trend toward molecular testing at the bedside.
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Novo Nordisk Stakes up to $2.1B on Vivtex Tech for Oral Biologics
Novo Nordisk entered a strategic collaboration with Vivtex to develop oral formulations of peptide and protein therapeutics, a deal that could total up to $2.1 billion including milestones and royalties. Vivtex brings a gut‑focused screening and formulation platform—including gut‑on‑a‑chip approaches—to identify combinations that enable oral absorption of larger biologics. Novo, which commercialized the oral GLP‑1 Rybelsus and recently advanced an oral form of Wegovy, views the pact as a path to expand orally delivered metabolic medicines. Vivtex retains technology rights and stands to receive upfront and milestone payments; the alliance also follows Vivtex’s prior partnerships across the industry. The agreement underscores big pharma’s push to convert injectable biologics to oral formats to broaden access and improve patient convenience, while accelerating external innovation for next‑generation metabolic programs.
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GSK Buys 35Pharma for $950M — Adds HS‑235 Pulmonary Hypertension Asset
GSK agreed to acquire Canadian biotech 35Pharma for $950 million in cash, obtaining HS‑235, a protein‑based candidate targeting the activin receptor signaling pathway for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and related forms of pulmonary hypertension. HS‑235 completed a Phase I study in healthy volunteers and showed dose‑dependent target engagement and body‑composition effects that GSK believes could translate into clinical benefits for PAH patients. GSK positioned HS‑235 as a potential best‑in‑class competitor to existing activin pathway programs, citing possible advantages on bleeding risk and metabolic parameters. The deal follows GSK’s recent M&A activity to augment its respiratory and immunology pipeline and remains subject to customary regulatory clearances. For 35Pharma, the transaction provides an early‑stage exit and accelerates HS‑235’s path into patient trials under GSK’s development infrastructure.
...and 5 more selected Biotech stories in today’s full edition — or archive.
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