AXELIOS 1 is here

Roche Diagnostics has officially launched its next-generation sequencing platform, AXELIOS 1, following a world-record achievement for the fastest DNA sequencing technique.

The milestone was reached last year by Roche Sequencing Solutions, Broad Clinical Labs and Boston Children's Hospital, which sequenced a complete human genome using the AXELIOS 1 system in less than four hours. The previous record stood at five hours and two minutes.

 

The platform is powered by Roche's proprietary Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology, a new approach designed to improve the speed and accuracy of DNA sequencing.

How the technology works 

Unlike conventional sequencing methods, SBX converts genetic information into a measurable surrogate polymer known as an Xpandomer. Around 50 times longer than the original DNA molecule, the Xpandomer produces high signal-to-noise reporters, allowing highly accurate single-molecule nanopore sequencing. Combined with a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-based sensor capable of massively parallel processing, the technology is designed to deliver faster sequencing while maintaining flexibility and scalability.

Since SBX was first unveiled in early 2025, researchers have evaluated the technology across a range of applications, including whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA analysis, spatial biology and DNA methylation studies. Early-access users have also explored its potential in oncology, genetics and infectious disease research.

AXELIOS 1 is available for research use only and is not intended for use in diagnostic procedures.

Matt Sause, Chief Executive Officer of Roche Diagnostics, said:

"AXELIOS 1 will deliver a disruptive sequencing solution that combines high accuracy with unprecedented speed and scalability. These attributes, combined with our high level of cost efficiency, will enable the sequencing community to develop applications that previously were not feasible.

"Additionally, in the future, AXELIOS 1 has the potential to enable the next generation of clinical applications and unlock new frontiers in personalised healthcare."

A technology with the potential to change lives

While AXELIOS 1 is currently intended for research, advances in genome sequencing have already transformed the lives of many families by helping identify the genetic causes of rare conditions.

Among them is the Irwin family based in Devon. Ollie Irwin received a diagnosis of Kleefstra syndrome after taking part in a genome sequencing study. His mother, Miranda, said she had felt from an early age that something was not quite right, but answers proved difficult to find until the family joined the research programme.

"Genome sequencing was absolutely vital in Ollie's journey," she said. "It gave us a clue about what Ollie's future was."

Today, Ollie is a curious and happy teenager who attends mainstream school, with his diagnosis helping his family better understand and support his needs. Check out his story below