On Oct 15, 2025, Illumina announced the launch of its 5‑Base solution, a new chemistry and DRAGEN algorithm that allows simultaneous detection of genomic variants and DNA methylation from a single sample. The solution includes two kits—Illumina 5‑Base DNA Prep and Illumina 5‑Base DNA Prep with Enrichment—both made available after a successful early‑access program. It is compatible with Illumina NovaSeq and NextSeq 2000 systems, enabling immediate adoption by existing customers.
The 5‑Base chemistry selectively converts methylated cytosine to thymine, preserving genomic complexity and allowing high‑resolution methylome profiling without separate bisulfite conversion. Custom DRAGEN algorithms provide simultaneous methylation profiling and high‑accuracy variant calling, delivering a streamlined, cost‑effective workflow. The platform is positioned to accelerate research in oncology, rare disease, and drug discovery by providing integrated genomic and epigenomic insights.
The launch expands Illumina’s multiomics portfolio and opens a new revenue stream that combines sequencing and epigenetics, potentially increasing consumable sales and deepening customer engagement. Early adopters, such as the London Health Sciences Center Research Institute, are already demonstrating the technology’s ability to uncover disease mechanisms and biomarkers. The product’s availability in the first half of 2025 positions Illumina to capture market share in the growing demand for integrated multiomic solutions.
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