Connect with us

Technology

Illumina launches pilot proteomics program with UK Biobank and biopharma collaborators to analyze 50,000 samples

Published

2 years ago

on

Study will generate a key reference data set with Illumina Protein Prep solution

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, today announced a pilot proteomics program to analyze 50,000 UK Biobank samples in collaboration with deCODE Genetics, Standard BioTools, Tecan, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis. The pilot program is based on Illumina’s upcoming proteomics assay, Illumina Protein Prep™, powered by SOMAmer® technology, a next-generation sequencing (NGS) based solution that will help scale access to proteomic insights.

Proteomics enables the observation of direct cellular function to improve understanding of the role of proteins in health and disease, and facilitates biomarker discovery for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Researchers use protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs), which are emerging as a vital proteogenomic tool for drug discovery, linking genetic variation with protein expression data and disease or other phenotypes. With the advent of high-throughput proteomics methods such as Illumina Protein Prep, the discovery of new pQTLs is now more accessible.

“UK Biobank data has set the standard as a reference dataset for the omics community, and we’re excited to collaborate across the health care industry in this pilot study as we prepare to launch Illumina Protein Prep,” said Steve Barnard, PhD, chief technology officer of Illumina. “We believe the pilot program will generate a new collection of high-quality, NGS-based proteomics data for the research community and pharma partners to advance biological insights.”

UK Biobank will provide 50,000 samples from the same study participants who are included in the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, a separate research collaboration between the UK Biobank and 14 biopharmaceutical companies. deCODE Genetics will process the samples using the Illumina Protein Prep solution and NovaSeq™ X Plus system, and run analysis using the DRAGEN Protein Quantification pipeline. The first 30,000 samples are funded through coinvestment from Illumina, deCODE Genetics, and Standard BioTools, Inc., with automation partner support from Tecan. The data generated from these first 30,000 samples will be made available by UK Biobank immediately to the scientific research community upon completion and when the resulting data has undergone quality control, expected in the second half 2025.

For the data generated from an additional 20,000 samples, in alignment with UK Biobank’s standard practice, members of the industry consortium will have a period of exclusive access. Industry participants include deCODE Genetics and pharma collaborators GSK, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis. Following that period, the data will be made available by UK Biobank to the wider scientific research community. Illumina anticipates that additional companies will join the consortium.

Professor Sir Rory Collins, Principal Investigator and chief executive of UK Biobank said: “This addition of increasingly rich proteomics data will help researchers paint an even more dynamic picture of how an individual’s genetics, environment and lifestyle come together to impact the development of different diseases.”

“This project complements the work of the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, by providing additional proteomic assay data for 50,000 of the UK Biobank volunteers’ blood samples. I am excited to see how the global scientific community will use these different sources of data to make leaps forward in the development of new ways to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases.”

“Proteomics is entering a transformative era, with the human health impact constrained to date by the limits of legacy technologies,” said Michael Egholm, PhD, chief executive officer of Standard BioTools Inc. “Today marks a critical milestone, as we seamlessly integrate DNA-based SOMAmers’ unparalleled multiplexing capacity with the leading NGS platform, and unlock the power of the UK Biobank to accelerate human health.” 

The Illumina Protein Prep assay detects 9000 unique human proteins powered by 11,000 SOMAmer (Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamers) reagents, enabling sample-to-analysis proteomics discovery studies. The solution has been in early access limited release with customers, detecting 6000 human proteins, and is compatible with the NovaSeq X, NovaSeq X Plus, and NovaSeq 6000 Systems, enabling multiomics on a single platform. The solution will launch in the first half of 2025.

Use of forward-looking statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors to which our business is subject that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are: (i) challenges inherent in developing and launching new products and services, including modifying and scaling manufacturing operations, and reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components; (ii) our ability to manufacture robust instrumentation and consumables; and (iii) the acceptance by customers of our newly launched products, which may or may not meet our and their expectations, together with other factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update these forward-looking statements, to review or confirm analysts’ expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current quarter.

About Illumina

Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Contacts

Investors:
Salli Schwartz
858-291-6421
IR@illumina.com

Media:
Christine Douglass
PR@illumina.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illumina-launches-pilot-proteomics-program-with-uk-biobank-and-biopharma-collaborators-to-analyze-50-000-samples-302348923.html

SOURCE Illumina, Inc.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

Envision Marks First International Application of SAFc at Global Citizen NOW, Providing Environmental Attributes Corresponding to 10 Tonnes of CO₂ Emissions Reductions

Published

16 minutes ago

on

October 29, 2026

By

SYDNEY, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Envision, a global leader in green technology, expanded its Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificate (SAFc) solution internationally as the Sustainability Partner of Global Citizen NOW: Perth. This marks the company’s first international application of SAFc, demonstrating a practical pathway to integrate aviation decarbonization into the sustainability practices of major global events.

For this event, Envision delivered environmental attributes corresponding to 10 tonnes of CO₂ emissions reductions. These reductions are linked to the actual production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with the associated attributes recorded and retired through a leading global Registry to ensure transparency and traceability.

Alongside this initiative, Envision’s Australian team participated in the event’s broader programme, including discussions on clean energy investment and industrial decarbonisation, bilateral meetings, and the Capital Mobilization Roundtable and Masterclass. Through these engagements, the team exchanged perspectives with leaders from business, investment and the climate community on Western Australia’s potential role in the next-generation green industries, while exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration, mobilize investment and accelerate the clean energy transition.

Co-hosted by Global Citizen and the Government of Western Australia, the summit took place ahead of COP31, convening representatives from governments, businesses, philanthropic foundations, and First Nations communities to advance clean energy access, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development.

The Perth SAFc initiative builds on Envision’s SAFc application at the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen in September, where the company demonstrated how SAFc could address the air-travel emissions of a major conference. Global Citizen NOW: Perth represents the next step—applying this model internationally and demonstrating its potential as a scalable solution for companies and major events seeking to tackle aviation-related emissions across global value chains.

The initiative also reflects Envision’s broader approach to corporate decarbonisation. Across wind and solar power, energy storage, green molecules, net-zero industrial parks, and green computing, Envision is developing integrated solutions to help companies tackle emissions across their operations and value chains.

“Envision will continue to explore the application of green fuels across aviation and international events, foster collaboration throughout the green fuel value chain, and support aviation’s low-carbon transition through transparent, traceable environmental attribute management,” said Bella Zhang, Head of Global SAF at Envision.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envision-marks-first-international-application-of-safc-at-global-citizen-now-providing-environmental-attributes-corresponding-to-10-tonnes-of-co-emissions-reductions-302923213.html

SOURCE Envision

Continue Reading

Technology

More Than Business: ChinaMarket’s “Little Bees” Go the Extra Mile for International Buyers

Published

16 minutes ago

on

October 29, 2026

By

LINYI, China, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When a Malaysian buyer experienced a sudden toothache during the Linyi Mall International Buyers Conference in China, he found help in an unexpected place.

A member of ChinaMarket‘s “Little Bees” service team, Chen Fuqing, promptly accompanied him to a local hospital and assisted him throughout the visit.

It was a small act of kindness, but it reflected something important about doing business in Linyi: international buyers have people they can turn to when they need help.

During the international buyers conference, ChinaMarket established its “Little Bees” service team to assist overseas visitors throughout their stay in Linyi.

From welcoming international buyers and arranging market visits to connecting them with suppliers, helping bridge language barriers, and responding to unexpected situations, the team works to make the sourcing experience easier and more comfortable.

Linyi is home to one of China’s major wholesale market clusters, attracting buyers from around the world with its diverse products, manufacturing resources, and extensive supply chains.

As the official digital platform of Linyi Wholesale Market, ChinaMarket connects global buyers with Chinese suppliers and provides integrated sourcing and trade services.

For international buyers, successful sourcing involves more than finding the right products. Clear communication, reliable coordination, and access to support are equally important.

The “Little Bees” team brings this commitment to life through personal, on-the-ground assistance.

A recent song released by ChinaMarket captures the spirit of the city:

“Come to Linyi, a city that welcomes you with open arms.”

In Linyi, global buyers can discover business opportunities, build partnerships, and experience the warmth of genuine hospitality.

Come to Linyi. Source with ChinaMarket.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/more-than-business-chinamarkets-little-bees-go-the-extra-mile-for-international-buyers-302923217.html

SOURCE ChinaMarket

Continue Reading

Technology

UnionPay and Cuscal Paymark Discuss Payment Acceptance and Digital Innovation

Published

16 minutes ago

on

October 29, 2026

By

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mr. Dong Junfeng, Chairman of China UnionPay and UnionPay International, met with Cuscal Paymark, in Auckland on 19 October 2026 to discuss expanding UnionPay acceptance in New Zealand and opportunities for cooperation in digital payments. Mr. Mike Blomfield, Chief Executive Officer and Julia Nicol, Chief of Staff expressed support UnionPay’s plans and the advancement of key projects.

Cuscal Paymark is New Zealand’s largest payment switching and network services provider. The two parties have maintained a partnership since 2012.  To date, several major banks on its network support UnionPay payments at physical merchants. The company has also incorporated a number of UnionPay product standards into mandatory terminal upgrade requirements, providing a foundation for broader acceptance. Looking ahead, UnionPay will leverage Cuscal Paymark’s local network and transaction processing capabilities to upgrade online and in-store payment platforms and further improve UnionPay acceptance services.

Discussions also covered upgrades to support chip transactions on dual-branded cards, online payment gateway integration, and the joint promotion of SoftPOS solutions to acquirers. The companies agreed to strengthen technical coordination to maintain reliable payment processing during and after system upgrades.

Other topics included agentic payments, digital identity, biometric applications, and payment network connectivity.

Ms. Nicol reaffirmed Cuscal Paymark’s support for UnionPay’s ongoing development in New Zealand and the advancement of key projects. Both parties agreed to explore further cooperation in wallet connectivity and digital payments.

UnionPay entered the New Zealand market in 2008. Its acceptance coverage now exceeds 90%, and UnionPay cards are now widely issued by local financial institutions. UnionPay will continue working with partners to improve payment services, strengthen financial integration between China and other APEC economies, and advance cross-border payment cooperation between China and New Zealand and across the broader Asia-Pacific region.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/unionpay-and-cuscal-paymark-discuss-payment-acceptance-and-digital-innovation-302923215.html

SOURCE UnionPay International

Continue Reading

Trending