October 1, 2015 (Vol. 35, No. 17)

Advancing Sample Preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing to Improve Discovery and Monitoring of Human Disease

Swift Biosciences is transforming the next-generation sequencing (NGS) space by providing new technologies for sample and library preparation methods. Based on their own unique and patented technologies, Swift enables researchers to use increasingly lower input amounts, which is important for clinical-based applications such as damaged FFPE samples or precious circulating, cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Capable of generating PCR-free libraries from as little as 5 ng of input, Swift is continually improving its technologies with a focus on single-cell experiments. Currently, Swift Biosciences has a broad product portfolio supporting multiple NGS applications for personalized medicine and other popular NGS applications.

Success for Swift Biosciences has come from generating technologies that produce higher conversion rates of samples, thereby allowing more genomic DNA to be converted into ready-to-run NGS libraries. By creating technologies that have high conversion rates, Swift’s products enable scientists to use less input material to obtain better, more complete genome coverage.

Currently, Swift’s portfolio consists of four unique products serving critical applications. The Accel-NGS® library products for whole genome sequencing provide increased genomic coverage allowing for better detection of novel somatic mutations. Their Accel-Amplicon™ panels are a best-in-class solution of targeted sequencing panels to easily screen and detect somatic mutations in either oncology or germline based studies. The single-stranded Accel-NGS Methyl-Seq technology delivers genome-wide methylation analysis from as low as 5 ng of liquid biopsy samples. Swift Biosciences has launched all three technologies in the past twelve months and has a strong R&D pipeline to continue introducing new and innovative solutions for advancing next-generation sequencing.

Markets Served

Accel-NGS library preparation kits are utilized across the spectrum of NGS applications, including ancient DNA, oncology screening, microbial studies and PCR-free whole genome sequencing. High-throughput organizations found within the NGS community are taking advantage of cost savings associated with generating more data per sequencing run from the highly complex libraries created from Swift technologies. Pharmaceutical companies benefit from the low input capabilities of the various technologies, including Swift’s oncology gene panels, to produce translational data from precious clinically derived samples.

In addition, metagenomic and microbiology users are advancing their research with the single-stranded technology from Swift Biosciences that enables the discovery and characterization of both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA organisms in a single sample preparation. The agricultural community is well served with NGS libraries lacking AT- and GC-bias that are often seen in other products.

Capabilities

Swift Biosciences’ core technologies provide users with powerful new methods to examine disease-related genes when working with low input samples like cfDNA and circulating tumor cells. Products are designed to help researchers analyze samples faster, simply, and with greater sensitivity and accuracy when utilizing existing NGS platforms. For example, their unique Accel-NGS Methyl-Seq Library Kit supports both whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) from inputs of 100 ng or less to produce complete methylome coverage.

The Accel-NGS 2S DNA Library Kit delivers conversion rates up to 90% for cfDNA and continually produces more complex libraries than any other commercial kit; thereby providing individuals with greater genome coverage per sequencing run. By limiting the bias of GC-rich and AT-rich sequences, researchers are able to discover alterations in genomic regions previously not covered by other methodologies. Additionally, highly complex genomic libraries allow for sequencing depths of 60–120x for identification of novel mutations in various disease states.

Swift has developed a complete and easy solution for targeted gene sequencing, including primer pairs, indices, and sequencing adapters packaged into a single kit. The subsequent workflow is a single-tube assay requiring less than two hours to go from genomic DNA to ready-to-run NGS libraries from only 10 ng of genomic DNA. End users can detect mutation allele frequencies down to 1% using either an off-the-shelf oncology panel targeting 56 oncogenes or design a custom panel for their genes of interest. The catalog of genes covered and ready-to-sequence panels continues to grow at Swift in order to fully serve the market.

Accel-NGS kits and Accel-Amplicon panels have helped make significant research progress at institutions around the world. To learn how these products and new technologies can make an impact on your specific application, contact Swift Biosciences or visit www.swiftbiosci.com.

Swift Biosciences

58 Parkland Plaza, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Phone: 1-734-330-2568

Website: www.swiftbiosci.com

Date Founded: 2011

Number of Employees: 29

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