Cheaper, faster, more accurate
Axbio Inc. has developed a new genetic sequencing technology
Pavel Lebedev, sk.ru
Axbio Inc. has developed a new genetic sequencing technology that is significantly ahead of available analogues in key parameters such as price, accuracy and speed of reading.
On June 28, 2019, in Shenzhen, China, AxBioInc., represented in Russia by Generis Biotech, a resident of the Skolkovo Foundation, held a presentation of a new technology for genetic sequencing (DNA chain decoding) of its own design, presenting the company's first product, the AXP100 sequencer.
The presented device is a highly sensitive biomolecule detector that allows implementing the most advanced technology of nanopore sequencing during DNA synthesis (nanopore sequencing by synthesis) with the reading of single nucleotides (single-nucleotide detection).
AxBio technology is implemented on the basis of a hydrodynamic microcircuit combining a silicon CMOS base and a biological membrane, which, together with polymerase and labeled nucleotides of their own design, provide long-term sequencing of a single DNA molecule with high speed and accuracy. At the same time, it is expected that in mass production, both the device and the chip will allow achieving a low cost of reading: less than $100 for a complete genome, with a prevailing price of more than $1,000 on the market today.
Not exceeding the size of the usual desktop inkjet printer, the AXP100 is a highly integrated and automated device capable of replacing existing sequencers of huge size that require highly qualified personnel. The AxBio device is much simpler in operation, while it has the high accuracy of analysis necessary for a doctor to make a clinical diagnosis, even at the level of simple laboratories performing a standard set of standard analyses. The AxBio universal platform can also be used for biochemical analyses, such as the analysis of proteins, microbes, toxic compounds, both on simple portable devices for instant recognition and consumer use, and on fully automated devices in independent laboratories and hospitals.
Over the past decade, thanks to the development and cheapening of DNA sequencing technologies, genetic analysis methods have become available and have become widespread in such areas as prenatal tests and analysis of cancerous tumors. A large number of private companies and government agencies accumulate significant amounts of genetic data, which allows them to constantly improve knowledge in this area by improving the quality of statistical analysis on large samples. High interest in this area is also shown by drug manufacturers who understand the possibilities contained in the information about the genetic predispositions of patients to certain diseases and their susceptibility or resistance to the drugs used.
Not only private business, but also governments are interested in the development of genetic technologies. All leading countries have programs to support and develop genetic technologies. Thus, in Russia, genetics has been declared a key priority of technological development, along with artificial intelligence, the president signed a decree on the development of genetic technologies in the Russian Federation, the task has been set to become one of the world leaders in this area by 2025, and an initiative on genetic certification of the population has been launched. In a message to the Federal Assembly in February 2019, Vladimir Putin noted the importance of genomic research: "A cardinal breakthrough in this direction will open the way to the creation of new methods of diagnosis, prevention and control of many diseases, expand opportunities in breeding, in agriculture."
In Russia, AxBio operates through its subsidiary Generis Biotech, which, in turn, cooperates with key companies working in the field of genetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as with leading scientific institutes. The task of Generis Biotech is to supervise joint scientific developments with Russian partners, as well as business development in our country. In addition, one of the key technological processes for creating a biochip (AxBio Smart Biochip) is supposed to be carried out at the Crocus Nanoelectronics factory in Moscow.
As part of the above-mentioned event, letters of intent were signed in Shenzhen with the Medical and Genetic Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MGNC) and the V.N. Orekhovich Biomedical Chemistry Research Institute (IBMH). MGNC is the leading medical and genetic institution in Russia, the main organization of the medical and genetic service of the Russian Federation. In 2018, MGNC doctors conducted more than 70 thousand high-tech genetic studies, more than anyone else in Russia. IBMH is a leader in Russia in the field of studying the structural and functional organization of biological macromolecules, mechanisms of intermolecular recognition during immune reactions, enzyme–substrate interactions, in reception processes, with the development of new methods of bioinformatics and computer design of drugs, with the creation of tools for the diagnosis and treatment of the most common diseases.
Hui Tian, Executive Director of AxBio Inc:
We are pleased to present our AXP100 product, which is a universal biochemical analysis platform with significant advantages in the sequencing and molecular diagnostics market. Russia, with its vast territories and large population, represents an excellent opportunity for the successful development of our economical, high-speed and compact solution. We are also glad to cooperate with honorary representatives of the Russian scientific community, the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Together, we will be able to present innovative genetic analysis tools to Russian medical, research centers and laboratories and thereby benefit the population of the country.
Igor Ivanov, Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of AxBio Inc:
The Axbio team is pleased to be a resident of the Skolkovo Foundation, as well as to work on the creation of a number of medical applications in cooperation with leading research institutes of the Russian Federation. Continuous automation of processes in the biotechnology industry and in medical diagnostics, along with the introduction of advanced semiconductor manufacturing methods, is the basis for new breakthroughs in improving the health of every person, the development of agriculture and improving the quality of life of future generations.
Andrey Valeryevich Lisitsa, Director of the V.N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences:
"I would not have started this promising AxBio project if the outstanding scientific leaders of our Institute, Elena Ponomarenko (Deputy Director for Scientific Work) and Elena Suprun (head of the electrochemistry group) had not shown a strong professional interest in AxBio technology, which can justifiably claim to be the technology of the future, attracting a new generation of scientists".
Background information
Axbio Inc. is a startup company based in Santa Clara (USA), in the heart of Silicon Valley. Has subsidiaries: Generis Biotech LLC, resident of the Skolkovo Foundation in Russia and AnXuYuanBiotechnologyLtd. in China. The founders of the company are Igor Ivanov and Hui Tian (Hui Tian), who have successful experience in creating high-tech businesses from scratch and selling them to a strategist or launching an IPO.
The subsidiary of An Xu Yuan Biotechnology is located in Shenzhen, China. The company specializes in the development of molecular diagnostics and sequencing applications for medical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical and agricultural companies. The company is actively engaged in the research and development of liquid biopsy technologies and other new technologies. The company's research group holds leading positions in various fields (including semiconductor, nanopore and biochemical technologies, etc.)
Generis Biotech is a resident of the Biomedical Technologies Cluster of the Skolkovo Foundation.
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