BGI Increases Long-Read Sequencing Capacity with Purchase of 10 PacBio Sequel Systems

MENLO PARK, California and SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 25, 2018 -- BGI, one of the world’s largest genomics organizations, and Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (Nasdaq: PACB), the leader in long-read sequencing, today announced an agreement by BGI Genomics to purchase an additional 10 Sequel^® Systems. This will significantly expand the capacity for Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT^®) Sequencing for BGI’s global sequencing service business, which currently operates two Sequel Systems and a PacBio^® RS II Sequencing System.

“We have been very impressed with the SMRT Sequencing technology. The Sequel System will allow BGI to meet the growing demand for SMRT Sequencing services for bacterial, plant, and animal de novo, transcriptomics, and epigenomics sequencing, and also in fields outside of agriculture, such as in conservation biology, like the ‘Life Periodic Plan’ that we just launched during the 2018 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference,” said Gao Qiang, CEO of BGI Tech. “The addition of the Sequel Systems enables BGI to increase capacity and offer additional services in whole genome re-sequencing and other long-read-based applications.”

The Sequel System provides an unmatched depth of genetic information through exceptionally long sequencing reads, uniform coverage, and the highest consensus accuracy available today. The technology allows scientists to go beyond fragmented draft genomes and generate the most comprehensive and high-quality de novo assemblies. 

“BGI has continually expanded its SMRT Sequencing capacity based on steadily rising demand from its vast user base,” said Michael Hunkapiller, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of PacBio. “We are pleased to see that a surge in interest for highly accurate, long-read SMRT Sequencing has allowed BGI to dramatically enhance its service business with these high-throughput, smaller-footprint Sequel Systems.”

For more information, please visit http://www.pacb.com/.

About Pacific Biosciences

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB) offers sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. Based on its novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT^®) technology, Pacific Biosciences’ products enable: de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms in important gene families, and find novel genes; targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; and real-time kinetic information for epigenome characterization. Pacific Biosciences’ technology provides high accuracy, ultra-long reads, uniform coverage, and the ability to simultaneously detect epigenetic changes. PacBio^® sequencing systems, including consumables and software, provide a simple, fast, end-to-end workflow for SMRT Sequencing. More information is available at www.pacb.com.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics is the division of BGI Group that provides a full menu of next generation sequencing and clinical testing services to support academic research, drug development and diagnostics. The company operates service laboratories under global quality standards in the US, Denmark, Hong Kong and mainland China. BGI Genomics leverages its unequalled genomic research experience and massive sequencing capacity to provide customers with high-quality data, fast turnaround at affordable prices. More information is available at www.bgi.com

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to purchase commitments, future availability, uses, quality or performance of, or benefits of using, products or technologies, and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, changes in circumstances and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond Pacific Biosciences’ control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made in this press release. Factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in Pacific Biosciences’ most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Pacific Biosciences’ most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption “Risk Factors.”

Pacific Biosciences undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

Contacts

For PacBio:
Media:
Nicole Litchfield
415.793.6468
[email protected]

Investors:
Trevin Rard
650.521.8450
[email protected]

For BGI:
Zongze Wu
BGI Genomics
[email protected]