July 6, 2021
PHC Corporation
TOKYO, July 6, 2021 - PHC Corporation (headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Kyoji Morimoto, hereafter PHC) has today announced the launch of the DNBSEQTM Series of the next-generation DNA sequencers (product models: DNBSEQ-T7, DNBSEQ-G400, DNBSEQ-G50)*1. This follows the signing of an agreement with MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Shenzhen, China, President: Mu Feng, hereafter MGI) for the sales rights in Japan for their portfolio of DNA sequencers, as well as their range of sample pre-processing equipment and related reagents/consumables. These products are available in Japan to support genetic information analysis for researchers and healthcare professionals.
Japan has recently been pursuing a national initiative to accelerate the use of genomic medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, in the field of cancer medicine, treatments are being tailored to each individual patient’s characteristics and medical condition based on the results of genetic data analysis. As a result, there is increased need for tools that use cutting-edge genome analysis technologies that leverage next-generation sequencers, such as cancer gene panel tests*2. Also required are solutions that allow highly accurate data analysis of extracted genetic information in an efficient and economical manner.
The newly launched DNBSEQTM Series is a range of next-generation sequencers that have the ability to read a large amount of DNA and RNA sequences to accurately detect gene mutations and expression levels. This series employs MGI’s proprietary DNBSEQTM technology*3 that utilizes DNB (DNA nanoball) technology*4 to stably amplify DNA, enabling genetic analysis with greater sequencing accuracy and superior cost performance. The series includes various models that are designed to meet a wide range of research and clinical application needs, from DNBSEQ-T7, a high-end model with data processing capacity of 6TB that is equivalent to the human genome*5 of 60 people per day, to DNBSEQ-G50, a compact benchtop model.
In collaboration with Amelieff Corporation, a member of the PHC Group with revolutionary bioinformatics technology, PHC will be offering a comprehensive solution that can improve genome research efficiency by answering the needs for data analysis ranging from microorganisms to the human genome. These include a package that offers an analysis system and a gold-standard*6 analysis pipeline optimized for the DNBSEQTM Series, as well as practical training for staff and a more sophisticated analysis tool that can carry out highly complex analytical calculations.
The next-generation sequencer DNBSEQTM Series
PHC is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation, a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. The newly launched product series will lead to the offering of new services to support genetic information analysis for the life sciences business of PHC.
Nobuaki Nakamura, corporate officer and co-head of Life Sciences/Diagnostics Domain of PHC Holdings Corporation said, “Our life sciences business has been dedicated to helping the development of highly innovative therapeutics, drugs, and vaccines by providing research and medical support solutions, mainly through our preservation and cultivation equipment. Not only are we now pleased to offer MGI’s next-generation sequencer DNBSEQTM Series to support cutting-edge research, but we can provide additional value through the collaboration with Amelieff Corporation, a leading company in bioinformatics. We believe this combined offering will support the researchers and healthcare professionals involved in genomic medicine as a new highly effective analysis solution for genetic information. As we aim to become the leading provider of best-in-class precision solutions in life sciences and diagnostics globally, we will continue to support the development of genomic medicine through genetic information analysis solutions, and contribute to the establishment of more effective treatments tailored to each patient’s disease.”
*1 DNBSEQ is a trademark of MGI. Product details: www.phchd.com/jp/biomedical/gene-analysis (Japanese website)
*2 A comprehensive test for studying genetic mutations associated with cancer.
*3 All sequencing technologies related to DNBs, which are nanoscale (approx. 1-10nm) DNA structure.
*4 Technology to replicate DNB.
*5 All the genetic information that organisms possess.
*6 A commonly received method for diagnostics and assessment with high accuracy.
About PHC Holdings Corporation
PHC Holdings Corporation is a global healthcare company with subsidiaries including PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG, Epredia, and LSI Medience Corporation. Committed to its corporate mission that states, “We contribute to the health of society through our diligent efforts to create healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people,” the company develops, manufactures, sells and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. The PHC Group’s consolidated net sales in FY2020 were 306 billion yen with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries.
www.phchd.com
About Biomedical Business Unit of PHC Corporation
Established in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation, a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. The Biomedical Business Unit active in life sciences business helps scientists and researchers in over 110 countries through its laboratory and medical support equipment and services including CO2 incubators and ultra-low temperature freezers.
www.phchd.com/global/biomedical/about-phcbi
About MGI Tech Co., Ltd.
Founded in 2016, MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI), a member of BGI Group, is committed to enabling effective and affordable healthcare solutions for all. Based on its proprietary technology, MGI produces sequencing devices, equipment, consumables and reagents to support life science research, medicine and healthcare. MGI’s multi-omics platforms include reagents, medical imaging, laboratory automation and genetic sequencing. MGI’s mission is to develop and promote advanced life science tools for future healthcare. For more information please visit MGI website or connect us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube.
en.mgi-tech.com
About Amelieff Corporation
Founded in 2009, Amelieff Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation, a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. It is a leading bioinformatic analysis company that provides bioinformatics synthetic analysis platforms in research and development for basic research/medical fields and drug development/bio-technology fields. Aiming to promote genome medicine suited to an individual’s genetic characterization, Amelieff Corporation provides information analysis technology for comprehensive genetic testing in Japan.
www.amelieff.jp/english/
Media contact:
Corporate Communications Department
PHC Holdings Corporation
+81-3-6778-5311