Connect with us

Technology

Illumina DRAGEN v4.4 powers clinical oncology research and multiomic applications

Published

on

Building on reputation for unparalleled performance, latest software delivers even greater accuracy, with 30% improvement in structural variant calling

New features include easy-to-use oncology apps, enhanced multiomics pipelines, and AWS F2 support enabling faster turnaround times

SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) today announced the launch of DRAGEN™ version 4.4 software (v4.4), the industry’s most comprehensive secondary analysis solution. The latest version of DRAGEN includes out-of-the-box oncology applications for clinical research and support for newly announced Illumina multiomics assays. Additionally, DRAGEN v4.4 continues DRAGEN’s best-in-class accuracy with a 30% improvement in germline structural variant calling accuracy. DRAGEN v4.4 enhancements will simplify NGS analysis for customers while expanding their capabilities.

“DRAGEN has pushed the limits in what is possible in complex genomic data analysis, while making bioinformatics more accessible and easier to use,” said Rami Mehio, head of Global Software and Informatics at Illumina. “With DRAGEN v4.4 we make bioinformatics even easier for complex oncology workflows and multiomics analysis. With out-of-the-box oncology applications, customers can set up their clinical research tests with a fraction of the effort typically required and obtain meaningful insights in record time.”

Providing labs with ready-to-use analysis applications simplifies oncology biomarker detection and reduces complexities for customers. The applications integrate with the Illumina Connected Insights platform, allowing for a fully streamlined analysis and interpretation workflow, and enabling efficient and complete discovery and clinical research solutions across a wide range of customer segments, including genetic disease, oncology, multiomics, infectious disease, and population genomics.

University hospital selects DRAGEN for pioneering clinical impact study

The University Hospital of Tübingen (UHT) in Germany is among the first adopters of the latest version of DRAGEN. UHT researchers have selected DRAGEN for a first-of-its-kind study to evaluate the clinical utility of advanced secondary analysis on whole-genome germline testing. Germline testing can help identify inherited genetic mutations that increase an individual’s risk of developing certain cancers or other health conditions.

Researchers will compare the diagnostic yield of WGS processed with DRAGEN v4.4 and WGS processed initially using their existing, in-house analysis software pipeline. DRAGEN germline analysis is regarded as the most accurate variant calling tool available for germline WGS testing. This was demonstrated in a peer-reviewed study published in Nature Biotechnology in October 2024, “Comprehensive genome analysis and variant detection at scale using DRAGEN,” which validated DRAGEN software’s germline algorithms and proved their superior performance in providing a more comprehensive genome with higher accuracy and faster reads compared to eight other variant calling programs in the study. 

“Whole-genome germline testing holds tremendous value to deliver critical diagnostic insights and risk factors across a wide range of disease areas, but we believe there are still significant insights hiding in the data because we haven’t had the tools to fully understand them before,” said Marc Sturm, head of Bioinformatics for Diagnostics at Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany. “We’re eager to bring the power of DRAGEN and its sophisticated AI capabilities to this challenge, to deepen our understanding of the insights that can be generated from germline testing.”

“This study is a cornerstone in demonstrating the clinical utility of variant calling software for germline testing,” Mehio said. “DRAGEN is the established leader in variant calling accuracy, and we’ll now examine the potential clinical impact that our technology can offer.”

Key features of DRAGEN v4.4

Preconfigured applications: DRAGEN v4.4 will offer “push-button” analysis for oncology workflows, including the first and only commercially available heme WGS application, Solid WGS DNA Tumor-Normal, and pipelines for molecular residual disease (MRD), WGS analysis, with more coming soon.New multiomics pipelines: Support for new and emerging multiomics assays includes Illumina Single Cell 3’RNA Prep, Illumina Protein Prep, and in the future will support the anticipated 5-base solution for methylation analysis, and Illumina’s spatial technology solution. DRAGEN outputs work seamlessly with Illumina Connected Multiomics to further explore and visualize the data.Unparalleled accuracy in structural variant (SV) calling: DRAGEN v4.4 marks a 30% increase in SV calling accuracy—the software’s biggest leap to date—driven by advancements in the multigenome mapper with pangenome reference. These advances help close the gap in structural variant calling accuracy between short- and long-read sequencing capabilities.Small variant calling accuracy improvement: DRAGEN v4.4 introduces a personalized pangenome reference capability that delivers a 20% boost in accuracy of single nucleotide variant (SNV) and indel calling.Accelerated cloud analysis: DRAGEN v4.4 supports new AWS F2 instance types, enabling faster turnaround times and improved scalability in the cloud.

Visit the DRAGEN web page to learn more.

About DRAGEN Secondary Analysis

Illumina DRAGEN secondary analysis is a leading suite of bioinformatics pipelines and applications for next-generation sequencing data. Its continuous innovations have set new standards for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and efficiency. DRAGEN analysis delivers the highest accuracy for germline and somatic variant calling, as demonstrated in industry challenges from PrecisionFDA. Featuring built in AI, with machine learning-based variant recalibration for germline SNV variant calling, DRAGEN is available across multiple deployment options, from a standalone server to Illumina cloud solutions and onboard select sequencers.

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, manufacturing, and launching new products and services; (ii) customer uptake of, and satisfaction with, new products and services; and (iii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments, 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:
Brian Blanchett
IR@illumina.com

Media:
Christine Douglass
PR@illumina.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illumina-dragen-v4-4-powers-clinical-oncology-research-and-multiomic-applications-302453654.html

SOURCE Illumina, Inc.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Kuaishou Technology to Report 2026 First Quarter Financial Results on May 27, 2026

Published

on

By

HONG KONG, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kuaishou Technology (“Kuaishou” or the “Company”; HKD Counter Stock Code: 01024 / RMB Counter Stock Code: 81024), a leading content community and social platform, today announced that it will report its unaudited consolidated first quarterly results for the three months ended March 31, 2026, after the Hong Kong market closes on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The Company’s management will host a conference call on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM Beijing Time (7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time) to discuss the results.

Participants are required to pre-register for the conference call at:

Chinese Line (Mandarin):
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10054245-xi6ksd.html

English Simultaneous Interpretation Line (listen-only mode):
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10054246-wl3yqp.html

Participants can choose between the Chinese and English simultaneous interpretation options for pre-registration above. Please note that the English simultaneous interpretation option will be in listen-only mode. Upon registration, participants will receive an email containing conference call dial-in details, event passcode, and a unique registrant ID. This information will allow you to gain immediate access to the call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

Additionally, live, and archived webcasts of the conference call, for both Chinese and English simultaneous interpretation, will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.kuaishou.com.

Replays of the conference call will be available until June 3, 2026 via the following dial-in details:

Dial-in Numbers

Mainland China:

400 1209 216

Hong Kong:

800 930 639

US/Canada:

1855 883 1031

Chinese conference ID:

10054245

English simultaneous interpretation conference ID:

10054246

About Kuaishou

Kuaishou is a leading content community and social platform in China and globally, committed to becoming the most customer-obsessed company in the world. Kuaishou uses its technological backbone, powered by cutting-edge AI technology, to continuously drive innovation and product enhancements that enrich its service offerings and application scenarios, creating exceptional customer value. Through short videos and live streams on Kuaishou’s platform, users can share their lives, discover goods and services they need and showcase their talent. By partnering closely with content creators and businesses, Kuaishou provides technologies, products, and services that cater to diverse user needs across a broad spectrum of entertainment, online marketing services, e-commerce, local services, gaming, and much more. For more information, please visit https://ir.kuaishou.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Kuaishou Technology
Investor Relations
Email: ir@kuaishou.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kuaishou-technology-to-report-2026-first-quarter-financial-results-on-may-27-2026-302763955.html

SOURCE Kuaishou Technology

Continue Reading

Technology

Mox Breaks Even in Q1 2026 amid Strengthening Profitability Outlook, Launches Mox+ Wealth Solutions and Mox Invest Upgrades

Published

on

By

Bringing Wealth Within Reach of all in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mox Bank Limited (“Mox” or “the Bank”), on the back of delivering a financial breakeven quarter for Q1 2026, today announced the launch of Mox+. This wealth solution is engineered for Hong Kong’s young professionals and emerging affluent and will be a driver of sustainable profitability for the Bank. Mox+ combines wealth capabilities with curated lifestyle benefits, marking Mox’s evolution from everyday banking to a comprehensive wealth partnership.

The financial achievement was driven by robust momentum across all business lines and achieving a significant milestone demonstrates the success of the accessible business model which after 5 years is now used and valued by over 750,000 customers in Hong Kong.

Barbaros Uygun, CEO of Mox, said, “Achieving financial breakeven for the first quarter of 2026 on the back of a strong 2025 set of results, shows our direction of travel. We have the momentum to drive positive change, providing wealth opportunities to all in Hong Kong and do so in a profitable manner. Our client-centric business model is proving that it is the right one for sustainable profitability. 

Our digital wealth management platform serves as a trusted partner for our over 750,000 customers at every stage of life, empowering them to manage their finances with confidence and unlock new possibilities. We are entering a new chapter of growth as we continue to expand our product portfolio and wealth management offerings, with the launch of Mox+ being one such initiative.”

He continued, “To support this evolution, we are evolving into an AI-native bank, doubling our operational capacity through a strategic human-bot partnership, equipping every staff member with a personalised AI assistant to deliver even greater service and efficiency.”

Mox+ members enjoy preferential fees and charges on Mox Invest and preferential pricing on foreign exchange, enhanced deposit rates (3.5% p.a. up to HKD5 million), as well as priority customer support and early access to experiences and new products. These benefits can be gained simply by maintaining an average daily balance of HKD 600,000 or above across all deposits and investments which will lead to automatic qualification for Mox+ for the following month. The programme integrates financial advantages with lifestyle benefits—including curated dining rebates, free hotel stays, Starbucks coffee vouchers, health benefits and exclusive member experiences—reflecting Mox’s belief that wealth building should be both strategic and rewarding.

Jayant Bhatia, Chief Business Officer of Mox, commented, “At Mox, we are dedicated to establishing the financial well-being of Hongkongers. Designed and tailored for Hong Kong’s young professionals and emerging affluent segment, which is underserved in Hong Kong, Mox+ offers solutions for daily savings and preferential wealth management service fees for long-term wealth creation as well as rewarding lifestyle benefits. This is strategically significant as one of our key initiatives to drive business growth and make Wealth Within Reach for Hongkongers.”

Throughout 2025, Mox has already strengthened its product portfolio with new solutions in Mox Invest. The Mox Invest platform saw trading volumes increasing to 2.4 times and assets under management (AUM) growing to 2.6 times that of last year. More than 10% of Mox customers have opened a Mox Invest account, reflecting strong demand for its wealth solutions driven by new products and services. In 2026, we will continue our momentum in launching new and innovative products and services and are already scaling up to serve the next generation of wealth builders in Hong Kong. Having already recently launched a crypto trading service, Mox Invest is set to introduce an IPO subscription service later this year.

The Bank has clear reasons for continuing to develop wealth management products. The “Wealth Behaviours: Insights into how individuals are saving and investing” survey conducted by Mox in collaboration with Ipsos revealed that Hongkongers continue to take a conservative approach to investing, with 63% of their liquid assets kept in cash and deposits – a trend that contributes to “cash drag” and limits potential wealth growth. More than two-thirds of respondents indicated they require an average of 5.6 months to save up to their desired investment threshold and typically delay investing their savings by a further 2.75 months on average, resulting in missed opportunities for long-term wealth accumulation[1]. This survey will continue as an ongoing research initiative to deepen our understanding of Hongkonger’s wealth management behaviours and enable the Bank to develop tailored solutions that puts wealth within reach.

After Mox was amongst the first wave of banks in Asia to offer a crypto trading service, Mox Invest now further offers One Click Investments (a simplified process for buying equities based on themes such as AI, technology, amongst others), Trading Signals, and gives customers access to professional  fund strategies including Signature CIO funds developed in partnership between Standard Chartered Bank CIO office and Amundi. The Signature CIO funds offer four different type of funds based on individuals’ risk appetite which could be Conservative, Income, Balanced or Growth. Customers also have options amongst a wide range of funds offered by other world-class fund houses.

A Track Record of Rapid Scale and Adoption in the Last 5 Years

Since its launch in September 2020, Mox has brought to the market more than 15 market-first products or services and achieved significant scale with over 750,000 customers, reflecting the trust and growing preference of Hong Kong consumers for a seamless digital banking experience. To date, Mox customers have driven a cumulative spend of HKD70 billion, supported by a robust volume of 176 million card transactions and approximately 2 billion Asia Miles earned through Mox Card and other banking services. Its commitment to delivering tangible value to customers is further evidenced by the HKD2 billion distributed in cash rewards.

Beyond daily spending, Mox has become central to its customers’ financial lives, facilitating approximately 50 million outward FPS transfers and more than 5 million bill payments. As a preferred companion for travelers, the Mox Card has been used over 31 million times in overseas transactions, contributing to a total of 250 million app engagements as we continue to redefine digital banking for the Hong Kong community.

To learn more about Mox, please visit: mox.com.

About Mox Bank Limited (“Mox”) 
Mox is a pioneering digital bank licensed in Hong Kong, and a registered institution (CE number: BNO808) powered by Standard Chartered in partnership with PCCW, HKT and Trip.com. Launched in September 2020, Mox is reimagining banking, unlock more of life’s possibilities, and setting global benchmarks for digital banking from Hong Kong.   

Mox is well on track to be the number one digital bank for cards, lending and wealth. In 2026, it was awarded as Best Pure-Play Digital Bank for CX in Hong Kong and Outstanding Digital CX in Banking App/ Platform by The Digital Banker Digital CX Awards. It was also recognised as NeoBank of the Year, Retail Banking, Hong Kong and Best Retail Banking Experience, Hong Kong by The Asset Triple A Digital Finance Awards. In 2025, Mox is ranked as the number one digital bank in Hong Kong in Neobank Ranking 2025 by The Banker, a publication by Financial Times. It was also awarded the Best Digital Bank in Hong Kong by The Asian Banker for three consecutive years, and the Digital Bank of the Year in Hong Kong by Asian Banking & Finance for two years in a row. It was also recognised as one of Asia’s Top 5 mobile banking app and the number one Hong Kong digital banking app in Sia Partners’ 2025 International Mobile Banking Benchmark. Mox Credit Card held its position as the seventh-largest credit card portfolio among all retail banks in Hong Kong[2]. Through a scalable platform, lower cost-to-serve, top-notch customer experience and the unique promise of safe, simple, smart, and fun banking, Mox has found immense affinity among Hong Kong customers: Mox app is the top-rated Hong Kong digital banking app in Apple App Store in Hong Kong[3], scoring 4.8 out of 5. Mox’s influence extends beyond Hong Kong, as shown by the company’s technology and know-how being transferred to Trust Bank in Singapore. 

Join us in shaping the future of banking.

Follow Mox on mox.com, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and YouTube for our latest updates.

[1] The “Wealth Behaviours: Insights into how individuals are saving and investing” study was conducted in collaboration with Ipsos and it surveyed 2,500 working adults with a monthly household income above HKD15,000 in Hong Kong between August 2025 and April 2026.

[2] According to TransUnion’s Market Insights and Intelligence Dashboard (MIID) for the period from January to December 2025.

[3] As of the period from 28 January 2025 to 5 May 2026.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/mox-breaks-even-in-q1-2026-amid-strengthening-profitability-outlook-launches-mox-wealth-solutions-and-mox-invest-upgrades-302763875.html

SOURCE Mox Bank Limited

Continue Reading

Technology

UK Students Recognised in National AI Investment Challenge

Published

on

By

University teams apply AI to real-world investment problems, with Lancaster University team taking the top prize.

LONDON, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has announced the winner of its inaugural AI Investment Challenge, with the top prize awarded to a student team from Lancaster University.

Some 28 teams from 15 universities took part in the competition.

Delivered by CFA Institute and CFA Society UK, the competition brought together students from universities across the United Kingdom to tackle real investment challenges using artificial intelligence. The focus was on practical application, responsible use, and real-world relevance. 

Finalists came from Durham University, Heriot-Watt University, Lancaster University, University of Exeter, and University of Manchester. 

Teams presented AI-powered solutions to a range of industry challenges, from assessing how carbon pricing affects portfolio values to analysing large volumes of company disclosures and extracting insights from company earnings calls. The winning team from Lancaster University impressed judges with its design of a Disclosure Degradation Detection System – an early-alert tool for analysts that monitors upstream exposure to disclosure risk by analysing company and supplier filings for increasingly vague, complex, or weakening language.

Peter Watkins, Head of University Relations, CFA Institute, said:

“It’s encouraging to see how quickly students can apply technical skills to real investment problems. The strongest teams combined solid analysis with a clear understanding of how AI can be used responsibly in practice. This reflects where the investment industry is heading, with professionals expected to use new technologies effectively while continuing to apply sound human judgement.”

Nick Bartlett, CFA, ASIP, Chief Executive, CFA Society UK, adds:

“It’s been great to see students from across the UK take part. Opportunities like this help people build practical skills, make connections in the industry, and gain confidence in applying what they’ve learned. Bridging that gap between education and industry is increasingly important, as the skills needed for a career in the investment profession continue to evolve.” 

The winning team members from Lancaster University are Connor O’Keeffe, Ebro Dossajee, and Bradley McCann.  

Connor O’Keeffe, speaking on behalf of the winning team, said: 

“The CFA Institute AI Investment Challenge gave us the chance to work on a real investment problem and engage directly with industry professionals. Presenting our work and receiving feedback has been invaluable, and we’re proud to bring first place back to Lancaster. It’s been a great experience for the whole team.”

Steve Young, Professor of Accounting at Lancaster University Management School, commented:

“The AI Investment Challenge is a fabulous initiative from CFA Institute that helps students formulate and execute artificial intelligence solutions to assist investment analysis professionals, and we are thrilled that Brad, Connor, and Ebro have been able to make such a positive contribution to the competition. Congratulations to all teams involved and thank you to CFA Institute and CFA Society UK for organising such an inspiring event.” 

The competition was judged on practical relevance, quality of analysis, innovation in the use of AI, responsible use of technology, and clarity of presentation. The final was judged by a panel of six investment industry professionals based in the UK. 

University representatives and students can opt-in to be the first to hear about future AI Investment Challenge events via Information Waitlist.

Notes to Editors

The AI Investment Challenge was held on Thursday 30 April 2026 in London.

First, second, and third-place teams received prizes of £2,000, £1,200, and £800, respectively. In addition, all finalist team members received a CFA Program Access Scholarship and the opportunity to showcase their work on CFA Institute platforms. 

More information about the AI Investment Challenge is available here: CFA Institute AI Investment Challenge

About CFA Institute
As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across 160 markets, CFA Institute has 8 offices and 157 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe on YouTube.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uk-students-recognised-in-national-ai-investment-challenge-302762959.html

Continue Reading

Trending