(RTTNews) - Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (PACB), a life science technology company, on Wednesday announced that the shipment of its first Vega systems to Berry Genomics under a 2022 early access agreement.
The Vega systems will be used by Berry Genomics to develop and optimize targeted assays for carrier, prenatal, and newborn screening in China and other markets.
Berry Genomics, which focuses on genetic disease testing and clinical applications, will use the Vega platform to create solutions tailored to the needs of clinical labs in China.
This is a key step in expanding the use of long-read sequencing in clinical settings. The company plans to submit the Vega system for regulatory approval through the National Medical Products Administration or NMPA in China, and additional product registrations are planned for other markets.
As part of the agreement, Berry Genomics has committed to purchasing over 50 Vega units. The collaboration will help Berry Genomics design a solution tailored to the needs of clinical laboratories and the populations they serve.
The system will undergo the National Medical Products Administration regulatory review in China, and Berry plans to pursue additional product registrations globally.
PacBio's Vega platform is its first benchtop long-read sequencing system, offering high data accuracy with HiFi technology, fast turnaround times, and compact design, making it ideal for smaller labs.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward introducing long-read sequencing technology into clinical use in Asia.
Currently, PACB is trading at $2.10 up by 5.25%.
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