On May 21, 2020, Roche announced that it has acquired Stratos Genomics, an early-stage sequencing technology company to advance the development of Roche’s nanopore sequencer. The acquisition provides Roche access to Stratos Genomics unique chemistry, Sequencing by Expansion (SBX™). The Roche nanopore sequencer, once developed, will utilise a novel approach that combines electronic and biological components to sequence DNA for fast, flexible and cost-effective clinical diagnostic testing.

The addition of the SBX chemistry, once fully developed, is expected to provide the healthcare community an affordable, fast and flexible result, for multiple targeted clinical applications as well as whole exome and whole genome sequencing.

Stratos Genomics will continue operations in Seattle, Washington, U.S. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.