Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Illumina fuels multiomic discovery with launch of 5-base solution, unlocking simultaneous genomic and epigenomic insights

Business

Illumina fuels multiomic discovery with launch of 5-base solution, unlocking simultaneous genomic and epigenomic insights
Business

Business

Illumina fuels multiomic discovery with launch of 5-base solution, unlocking simultaneous genomic and epigenomic insights

2025-10-16 11:43 Last Updated At:12:05

At ASHG, an early access customer from the London Health Sciences Center Research Institute demonstrated the power of the 5-base genome for accelerating resolution of rare disease cases 

Proprietary 5-base chemistry and novel DRAGEN algorithms enable dual-omic inquiry, providing researchers with new tool for precision medicine breakthroughs 

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) announced the release of its novel 5-base solution, enabling researchers to pursue broader biological questions with accuracy and ease. The 5-base solution marks a major advancement in scalable multiomic analysis, enabling simultaneous detection of both genomic variants and DNA methylation from a single sample, in a streamlined, cost-effective workflow. Powered by Illumina's proprietary 5-base chemistry and custom DRAGEN algorithms, the solution delivers high-resolution insights into both the methylome and genome while reducing complexity and cost. This powerful workflow can help researchers uncover disease mechanisms, detect and discover biomarkers for cancer and genetic disease, study disease progression, identify drug targets, and advance precision medicine.

"Our new 5-base solution reflects the many ways we are redefining what's possible through the power of multiomics," said Steve Barnard, chief technology officer of Illumina. "It's already driving insights in areas ranging from oncology to rare disease and elucidating the role of epigenetic regulation in human health—all in a cost-effective, scalable workflow."

Key features of the 5-base solution

Unlike conventional methylation conversion technologies, Illumina's proprietary conversion chemistry selectively converts methylated cytosine to thymine. This selective conversion of methylated cytosines preserves genomic complexity and variant information in the sequencing library, generating maximum biological insights in each run.

Customers can choose from two kits, Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep and Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep with Enrichment, both commercially available following a successful early-access program. Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep offers whole-genome coverage and Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep with Enrichment allows the user to focus on select genomic regions of interest through targeted enrichment. Both kits can detect DNA methylation at a single-base resolution.

The library preparation and sequencing of these kits are compatible with Illumina NovaSeq Systems and the NextSeq 2000 System. Novel DRAGEN algorithms allow for simultaneous methylation profiling and high-accuracy genomic variant calling. Illumina Connected Multiomics combines multiomic data with powerful statistical visualization and interpretation, making deep biological insights possible. This end-to-end Illumina pipeline unlocks the future of discovery and drug development.

Unlocking streamlined discovery in rare disease

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute's research chair in Clinical Genomics and Epigenomics, Bekim Sadikovic, is one of over 50 early testers applying the 5-base solution to their multiomic research questions.

"Illumina's comprehensive 5-base technique—with the ability to use the combined genome sequencing and epigenetic data simultaneously—has the potential to change the way we look at functional genomics," said Sadikovic. "This is going to allow us to add layers of insight that go beyond genetics alone, toward a more complete view of rare diseases."

Sadikovic presented at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) annual meeting in Boston, where he illustrated the Illumina 5-base solution's ability to detect variants and methylation signatures across rare disease samples. His talk "Validation of integrated platform for simultaneous detection of genetic variants and DNA methylation episignatures in rare diseases" was held in Room 153ABC on October 15 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM ET.

In addition to its new 5-base solution, Illumina is showcasing the new Illumina Protein Prep product along with its full range of multiomics technology this week at ASHG. Those interested in the ASHG talks but unable to attend the presentation can preregister for the on-demand webinar here. You can see all of Illumina's multiomics solutions in development and commercially available here.

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.

At ASHG, an early access customer from the London Health Sciences Center Research Institute demonstrated the power of the 5-base genome for accelerating resolution of rare disease cases 

Proprietary 5-base chemistry and novel DRAGEN algorithms enable dual-omic inquiry, providing researchers with new tool for precision medicine breakthroughs 

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) announced the release of its novel 5-base solution, enabling researchers to pursue broader biological questions with accuracy and ease. The 5-base solution marks a major advancement in scalable multiomic analysis, enabling simultaneous detection of both genomic variants and DNA methylation from a single sample, in a streamlined, cost-effective workflow. Powered by Illumina's proprietary 5-base chemistry and custom DRAGEN algorithms, the solution delivers high-resolution insights into both the methylome and genome while reducing complexity and cost. This powerful workflow can help researchers uncover disease mechanisms, detect and discover biomarkers for cancer and genetic disease, study disease progression, identify drug targets, and advance precision medicine.

"Our new 5-base solution reflects the many ways we are redefining what's possible through the power of multiomics," said Steve Barnard, chief technology officer of Illumina. "It's already driving insights in areas ranging from oncology to rare disease and elucidating the role of epigenetic regulation in human health—all in a cost-effective, scalable workflow."

Key features of the 5-base solution

Unlike conventional methylation conversion technologies, Illumina's proprietary conversion chemistry selectively converts methylated cytosine to thymine. This selective conversion of methylated cytosines preserves genomic complexity and variant information in the sequencing library, generating maximum biological insights in each run.

Customers can choose from two kits, Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep and Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep with Enrichment, both commercially available following a successful early-access program. Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep offers whole-genome coverage and Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep with Enrichment allows the user to focus on select genomic regions of interest through targeted enrichment. Both kits can detect DNA methylation at a single-base resolution.

The library preparation and sequencing of these kits are compatible with Illumina NovaSeq Systems and the NextSeq 2000 System. Novel DRAGEN algorithms allow for simultaneous methylation profiling and high-accuracy genomic variant calling. Illumina Connected Multiomics combines multiomic data with powerful statistical visualization and interpretation, making deep biological insights possible. This end-to-end Illumina pipeline unlocks the future of discovery and drug development.

Unlocking streamlined discovery in rare disease

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute's research chair in Clinical Genomics and Epigenomics, Bekim Sadikovic, is one of over 50 early testers applying the 5-base solution to their multiomic research questions.

"Illumina's comprehensive 5-base technique—with the ability to use the combined genome sequencing and epigenetic data simultaneously—has the potential to change the way we look at functional genomics," said Sadikovic. "This is going to allow us to add layers of insight that go beyond genetics alone, toward a more complete view of rare diseases."

Sadikovic presented at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) annual meeting in Boston, where he illustrated the Illumina 5-base solution's ability to detect variants and methylation signatures across rare disease samples. His talk "Validation of integrated platform for simultaneous detection of genetic variants and DNA methylation episignatures in rare diseases" was held in Room 153ABC on October 15 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM ET.

In addition to its new 5-base solution, Illumina is showcasing the new Illumina Protein Prep product along with its full range of multiomics technology this week at ASHG. Those interested in the ASHG talks but unable to attend the presentation can preregister for the on-demand webinar here. You can see all of Illumina's multiomics solutions in development and commercially available here.

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.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Illumina fuels multiomic discovery with launch of 5-base solution, unlocking simultaneous genomic and epigenomic insights

Illumina fuels multiomic discovery with launch of 5-base solution, unlocking simultaneous genomic and epigenomic insights

The Initiative Aims to Address the Pain Points of Family Filmmaking 

BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 6th, the 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival opened in Beijing. SmallRig, a global specialized provider of imaging solutions, collaborating with FamilyLens, is empowering family filmmaking through various initiatives, including the Family Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative, a dedicated family filmmaking kit, and a social impact screening program.

Deepening the "Co-Creation Initiatives"

The Co-Creation Initiatives are a series of global creative initiatives open to filmmakers and image creators worldwide. Through deep collaboration across multiple dimensions — including product co-creation, discovery and promotion, and content co-creation — SmallRig aims to expand the boundaries of mobile filmmaking and bring the spirit of Free Your Dream to life with creators everywhere.

Following the launch of the Mobile Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative at the 14th International Smartphone Film Festival, SmallRig announced the launch of the Family Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative on December 6th at the 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival. The initiative invites global creators and every family to participate, focusing on three core directions: product co-creation, work promotion, and content co-creation, to explore the possibilities of family filmmaking for everyone.

Mr. Zhou Yang, Founder and CEO of SmallRig, shared the inspiration for the initiative: "The initiative is rooted in the immense universality and profound emotional depth inherent in family narratives, which serve as a common emotional bond connecting global audiences. We firmly believe that in this era, where everyone can be a content creator, every family can and should film their own story. The instinct to create is deeply embedded in the human spirit, and every home is the origin of countless narratives."

Gu Xue, Founder and Director of the FamilyLens International Film Festival, stated: "We hope that people and practitioners around the world who care about family movies can find suitable solutions and gain insights from the Co-Creation Initiatives. We look forward to more and more people exploring the field of 'Home' together through this initiative."

To address the pain points of family filmmaking, SmallRig officially released the SmallRig Family Filmmaking Kit at the opening ceremony. The kit includes a high-quality microphone, fill light, and a portable tripod, specifically designed to achieve "professional function democratization" and "complex feature simplification." During the FamilyLens Workshop, attendees experienced the convenience of the equipment firsthand. Many expressed that the kit truly solves many problems, enabling ordinary families to complete necessary filming without specialized photography knowledge.

Social Impact Screening Program

The 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival is open to the public from December 6th to 14th. The festival opened with the screening of well-received documentary: K-Family Affairs. In addition to the competition section, the festival features several distinctive sections, including the Reframing Home Movies— An Italian Retrospective, Youth Film Program,  Filmmaker in Focus, and the Social Impact Program. Four major awards, such as the Real-Life Portrait Award and the Artistic Exploration Award, will also be presented.

As a key component of the Co-Creation Initiatives, the SmallRig Image Development Fund partnered with the FamilyLens International Film Festival to curate the "Social Impact Screening Program." This unit focuses on elevating awareness of critical issues within the family unit, advocating for a new reflection: "Starting with Seeing, Concluding with Understanding."

Arum Nam, Director of K-Family Affairs, stated:

"Starting with the stories of your family, your friends, and yourself, I believe this personal narrative can connect directly to the bigger society."

SmallRig believes that truly meaningful social impact storytelling stems from awareness in proximity—achieved by using the lens to penetrate the daily surface and enabling a deep, empathetic "Seeing with Empathy."

The four featured works in this unit are:

  • People of the Ascent
  • Granny's Lost and Found
  • Ruixi at Fourteen
  • No Country For My Maternal Grandma

These films highlight four family issues that require "seeing": the yearning of left-behind children, the mental isolation of Alzheimer's patients, the elderly searching for subjectivity in their drifting lives, and the emotional volatility and struggle of Bipolar Disorder.

Strategic Outlook and Future Expansion

SmallRig will continue to support the Family Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative's deep development through promotional campaigns and practical workshops focused on family movie scenarios.

The overall goal of SmallRig's Global Co-creation Initiative is to continuously explore and meet the growing, diverse needs of global creators across different vertical domains. SmallRig is committed to persistently expanding the co-creation model into more imaging sectors, collaborating with industry partners to push the boundaries of imaging and grant global creators broader creative freedom.

About SmallRig

Founded in 2013, SmallRig is an innovation-driven global company that designs and manufactures comprehensive support solutions and accessories for all content creation needs. Trusted by over four million creators globally, SmallRig pioneered the User Co-creation Design (UCD) philosophy and the DreamRig Program.

For more information, visit: www.smallrig.com.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

SmallRig and FamilyLens Launch Global Family Filmmaking Initiative at 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival

SmallRig and FamilyLens Launch Global Family Filmmaking Initiative at 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival

SmallRig and FamilyLens Launch Global Family Filmmaking Initiative at 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival

SmallRig and FamilyLens Launch Global Family Filmmaking Initiative at 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival

SmallRig and FamilyLens Launch Global Family Filmmaking Initiative at 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival

SmallRig and FamilyLens Launch Global Family Filmmaking Initiative at 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival

Recommended Articles