October 7, 2024 – Macrogen, a global biotechnology leader, announced the opening of a joint lab in collaboration with the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), part of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). This joint lab aims to drive innovation in genomic research across Southeast Asia.
This initiative builds on Macrogen’s recent partnership with PacBio and its participation in Singapore's national precision medicine research project, announced in August through Macrogen’s APAC. The joint lab is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the use of HiFi long-read sequencing technology in the fields of precision medicine, population genomics, and health and disease biology across Singapore and Southeast Asia.
The joint lab is situated in Biopolis, a prominent biotech hub in Singapore, and is equipped with two PacBio Revio systems. Leveraging PacBio’s cutting-edge sequencing technology, Macrogen will provide state-of-the-art long-read sequencing services to local research and development clients, enabling enhanced research capabilities in Singapore.
The high-efficiency PacBio Revio systems, known for their large data throughput and versatility, are ideal for complex genomic studies. The systems’ real-time methylation detection supports multi-omics research—offering comprehensive, integrated analyses at the molecular level, including genomics, tranomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and lipidomics.
Dr. Tam Wai Leong, Deputy Director of the Genome Institute of Singapore, stated, "The demand for long-read sequencing is rapidly growing, making Macrogen and PacBio’s collaboration increasingly valuable. This partnership is set to revolutionize precision medicine and population genomics while providing deep insights into disease biology. We are thrilled to strengthen our position as a global leader in genomic research through this partnership with Macrogen and PacBio."
Jason Kang, PacBio’s APAC Vice President, expressed, "PacBio is committed to supporting the scientific community with advanced sequencing solutions in precision medicine. By collaborating with GIS and Macrogen to establish this joint lab, we aim to provide Singaporean researchers with access to our HiFi sequencing technology, empowering them to complete precision medicine and genomic projects successfully."
Macrogen CEO Chang Hoon Kim noted, "Following our involvement in Singapore’s national precision medicine research project, PRECISE, we are honored to partner with GIS and PacBio to further advance genomic research in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Through this joint lab with cutting-edge analytical infrastructure, we are providing a foundation for more efficient research collaborations with Singaporean institutions, while accelerating world-class innovation in precision medicine research and development."