Halo Genomics’ new product revolutionizes targeted resequencing workflow

Halo Genomics today released its latest technology for next generation sequencing, the HaloPlex™ PCR Reagent Kit.

HaloPlex PCR Reagent Kit introduces a dramatically improved PCR technology that enables millions of PCR reactions in a single tube. For projects targeting 100 genes in 1000 samples, the total number of PCR reactions is reduced by a thousand-fold compared to traditional methods. The first product allows users to amplify up to 2000 target exons in one tube.

The major bottleneck in targeted resequencing projects is the preparation of a sequencing library. It involves a number of time and labor consuming steps such as shearing of DNA samples, size selection, gel purification, adaptor ligation etc. Alternatively, one could invest in expensive and dedicated instrumentation. Halo Genomics’ new HaloPlex PCR combines PCR with sequencing library preparation and thus eliminates library preparation completely, allowing users to increase their sample throughput by up to five-fold.

“HaloPlex technology provides a PCR technology that lifts the technical advances of next-generation sequencing instruments to a new level. The amplification products can be pooled and sequenced directly without modification, dramatically simplifying the current workflow of targeted resequencing. This could potentially revolutionize the working situation in many labs.” says Olle Ericsson, CEO of Halo Genomics. “HaloPlex Reagent Kit offers both a reduction in workload and a cost advantage to our customers. The kit is currently being evaluated by a number of large genome centers in Europe and in the United States, and the results from these early access projects are truly encouraging.”