Cepheid and Oxford Nanopore entered Phase 2 of a strategic collaboration to develop nanopore sequencing-based pathogen testing workflows using Cepheid GeneXpert systems. The companies said the updated effort targets end-to-end in vitro diagnostic capability for complex infectious diseases, including rapid identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens. The collaboration is also aimed at antimicrobial resistance profiling and genomic antibiotic susceptibility testing in research settings for bloodstream infection and sepsis. Cepheid said an early-access program is expected in the third quarter, following beta testing by infectious disease researchers. The partnership highlights ongoing commercialization pressure for faster diagnostics that can inform clinical decisions earlier, using sequencing beyond standard panels.