SPT Labtech and Illumina Partner on Automated Genomics
SPT Labtech and Illumina are collaborating to develop automated platforms for decentralized genomics. While initially focused on clinical settings, the open and cloud-connected architecture serves as a model for scaling and standardizing operations in cell and gene therapy manufacturing labs.
The collaboration centers on SPT Labtech's firefly® liquid handling platform, an all-in-one system combining pipetting, dispensing, incubating, and shaking capabilities to automate next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation. This automation is designed to address significant bottlenecks in genomics workflows, reducing hands-on time and the need for multiple instruments. The system's intuitive software includes a fully transparent audit trail and a cloud-based network for sharing protocols. This partnership will specifically support labs using Illumina's MiSeq i100 benchtop sequencing system, which recently shipped its 1,000th unit. The goal is to provide standardized, automated workflows that make high-quality NGS more accessible, particularly in decentralized healthcare settings focused on oncology. The collaboration builds on SPT Labtech's status as an Illumina Qualified Methods Provider, which has already validated the firefly platform for use with Illumina's DNA Prep kits. For cell and gene therapy manufacturing, such automation is critical for overcoming scalability challenges. Manual, labor-intensive processes are a primary driver of high costs and manufacturing capacity ceilings in the industry. Automating complex and repetitive steps like NGS library preparation improves reproducibility, reduces the risk of human error, and ensures more consistent quality, which are crucial for GMP environments. The integration of automated hardware with cloud-based analytics, like Illumina Connected Analytics, is key for managing the massive data volumes generated by NGS. This platform allows for scalable data management, analysis, and the application of machine learning in a secure, compliant environment that supports data integrity principles like ALCOA+. This infrastructure is vital for creating digital twins and robust electronic batch records, enabling process optimization and ensuring end-to-end traceability required for patient-specific therapies.
