Novogene Agrees to Buy Ten PacBio Sequel Systems for DNA Sequencing Services

MENLO PARK, Calif., and BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2017 -- Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (Nasdaq:PACB) and Novogene Corporation, a leading provider of genomic and bioinformatic services, today announced that Novogene has agreed to purchase 10 Sequel™ Systems for whole genome sequencing, Iso-Seq™ annotation and targeted sequencing services.

PacBio’s sequencing systems are based on its unique Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT^®) technology, and provide 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 de novo assemblies. 

Ruiqiang Li, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Novogene commented: “Novogene is a global leader in de novo sequencing and assembly today, and our purchase of ten PacBio Sequel Systems will advance our ability to produce even higher quality and more complete de novo genome assemblies. The addition of these systems, and the ability to sequence large genomic libraries that yield mean read lengths of 10-18kb, also will enable us to meet the growing demand for SMRT Sequencing and to deliver more cost-effective de novo sequencing and assembly solutions for our customers. With this purchase, we expect to have the world’s largest SMRT Sequencing facility.”

Michael J. Hunkapiller, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of PacBio added: “We are delighted to receive such a significant endorsement of our technology from a world-class sequencing facility. This follows a recent trend by leading institutions around the world investing in multiple SMRT Sequencing systems— oftentimes to complement their existing PacBio RS II instruments. Moreover, it underscores that adoption of SMRT Sequencing to answer some of the most challenging questions in genomics and medicine is increasing steadily.” 

Novogene will announce its purchase of the PacBio Sequel systems today at its workshop at the Plant and Animal Genome XXV Conference in San Diego, where Novogene will be discussing how SMRT technology and other cutting edge sequencing technologies help improve the results of de novo assemblies for a variety of species. Novogene’s workshop – Latest NGS Applications in Agricultural Research – is being conducted Monday, January 16, 2017 from 6:10 PM to 8:20 PM in the Pacific Salon 1 at the Town and Country Hotel.  

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 is the only DNA sequencing technology that provides 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 Novogene Corporation

Novogene is a leading provider of genomic services and solutions with cutting edge NGS and bioinformatics expertise and one of the largest sequencing capacities in the world. Novogene utilizes scientific excellence, a commitment to customer service and unsurpassed data quality to help our clients realize their research goals in the rapidly evolving world of genomics. With 1,300 employees, multiple locations around the world, 43 NGS related patents, and over 200 publications in top tier journal such as Nature and Science, the company has rapidly become a world-leader in NGS services. For more information, visit https://en.novogene.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 product orders, future uses, quality or performance of, or benefits of using, products or technologies, the expected benefits of the company’s agreement with Novogene, the suitability of the company’s products for particular markets or applications 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 Novogene:

Joyce Peng, Ph.D.
Global Marketing Director and General Manager
San Diego, California
+1-626-222-5584
[email protected]