Nanopore-Based Molecular Sensing Technology to Advance Infectious Disease Diagnostics

Nanopore-based sequencing is an innovative technology that facilitates the analysis of long DNA or RNA fragments by detecting changes in electrical current as nucleic acids pass through a protein nanopore. The signal produced is then decoded to reveal the specific DNA or RNA sequence. This technology's real-time, scalable capabilities make it perfect for quickly and cost-effectively characterizing pathogens in clinical samples. A new partnership now seeks to enhance global health outcomes by exploring opportunities to introduce nanopore sequencing to the infectious disease diagnostics market.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies (Oxford, UK) and bioMérieux SA (Marcy-L’etoile, France) have joined forces to investigate selected opportunities for advancing patient care by providing access to nanopore-based clinical research and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) solutions. Initial collaboration areas include a test for determining antibiotic resistance in tuberculosis; an assay for identifying pathogens in typically sterile clinical samples; and validating Oxford Nanopore's sequencing platform alongside BIOMÉRIEUX EPISEQ CS application for swift infection outbreak monitoring in patient-care environments.

Image: The partnership will bring nanopore sequencing to the infectious disease diagnostics market (Photo courtesy of Oxford Nanopore)

With the ability to rapidly and accurately identify microbial pathogens and related antimicrobial resistance, Oxford Nanopore is uniquely equipped to deliver nanopore-based sequencing solutions that yield comprehensive results and expedite the process for infectious disease research and diagnostic applications. The company has devised a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for real-time, high-performance, accessible, and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. This technology is employed in over 120 countries to study human biology and diseases such as cancer, as well as plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and entire ecosystems.

“We are pleased to partner with bioMérieux’s IVD expertise to add powerful new tools for the fight against infectious disease,” said Gordon Sanghera, Oxford Nanopore Technologies Chief Executive Officer. “By offering rapid and accurate identification of pathogens and associated antimicrobial resistance, at scale, we hope to better equip the specialists for whom speed and access to comprehensive data is key.”

“We are excited to enter into a research partnership with Oxford Nanopore in the field of infectious diseases,” added Alexandre Mérieux, bioMérieux Chairman and CEO. “New technologies such as sequencing hold promise to improve diagnostics and patient care; our teams will collaborate in this direction.”

Related Links:
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
bioMérieux SA