German Infection Center Riems Island now using Genome Sequencer 20 System from Roche

The ultrafast Genome Sequencer 20 System from Roche Applied Science, a business area of Roche Diagnostics is taking more and more fields of life science research. Most recent example: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health on Riems Island in Germany purchased and successfully installed the ultrafast sequencing system.

The Friedrich-Loeffler Institute will use the system for virus identification and research purposes. The system can be used to analyze complete viral genomes, for example sixteen genomes of influenza viruses in one single work step. Even minute changes in the genetic material can be detected with outstanding accuracy.

“The Friedrich- Loeffler -Institut on Riems Island in Germany is one of the most accepted animal disease centres in the world. We are glad that they have chosen our technology for their important work,” said Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science.

And Martin Beer, Head of the Institute of Viral Diagnosis at the FLI, adds: "The Genome Sequencer 20 opens up completely new perspectives in the analysis of viral genomes."

The Genome Sequencer 20 System is based on 454 Sequencing™ technology, developed by the US company 454 Life Sciences, and can perform sequencing runs up to 60 times faster than conventional commercially available platforms. For preparation of a whole genome, only one single preparation step, without extensive robots for colony picking and handling of the microtiter plates, is needed. One single instrument can produce dozens of megabases of sequence data within a few hours, thanks to parallel-processing, the latest imaging techniques and unique data analysis. In early January 2007, Roche launched the GS FLX, improved successor of the GS 20 with much higher application flexibility. GS 20 systems already in use can be upgraded easily to the Genome Sequencer FLX on-site.