Roche Unveils DNA Sequencer GS Junior System For Genomic Research

Roche said that the GS Junior System, developed by its company 454 Life Sciences, provides an integrated sequencing and bioinformatics solution, all in a size that is less than a typical desktop laser printer. Due to its size and efficiency small and medium sized research laboratories will now have access to Roche’s sequencing capabilities at an affordable price.

According to the Roche, the GS Junior System offers solutions for DNA sequencing in nearly every field of biological research including human population genetics, agricultural and environmental genomics and particularly for research in the area of human health.

Roche claimed that the system is suited for research labs that require targeted sequencing of genomic regions associated with diseases such as diabetes and cancer, whole microbial genome sequencing, metagenomic analysis, as well as novel pathogen detection. That technology also offers advantages over the current standards in many areas of medical research, such as in tissue matching for transplantation and HIV drug resistance detection.

Daniel O’Day, COO of Roche Diagnostics, said: “Putting the GS Junior System into hands of researchers worldwide will help to expand our knowledge of the genetic causes and molecular basis of diseases thereby contributing to the development of personalized healthcare.”