Next-generation sequencing platform

Powering the future of NGS with Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology.


A lab technician opens the AXELIOS 1 next-generation sequencing platform in a bright, modern laboratory

1 platform. A world of possibilities.

The AXELIOS 1 is a transformative next-generation sequencing platform designed to bridge the gap between massive throughput and operational flexibility. Powered by novel sequencing by expansion (SBX) technology, the AXELIOS 1 Platform overcomes the signal-to-noise limitations of standard nanopores by converting target nucleic acids into easily measurable Xpandomer polymers. This ensures single-molecule accuracy without sacrificing the speed your most urgent projects demand.

The platform features a modular workflow designed to maximize flexibility while reducing operational costs. Following upstream library preparation, the synthesis instrument performs Xpandomer synthesis on up to four library pools in parallel. For total workflow autonomy, these pools can then be sequenced individually or queued for automated, sequential processing on the sequencing instrument with no manual intervention. By pairing this walkaway flexibility with cost-effective, reusable sensor module and integrated real-time data analysis, the AXELIOS 1 Platform accelerates your path from sample to data.

Explore AXELIOS 1 Platform. The 1st of its kind.

With a novel combination of SBX chemistry, ultra-fast and accurate single-molecule sequencing, and accelerated analysis, the AXELIOS 1 Platform has the potential to redefine the next-generation sequencing space with:

Flexibility: Optimized workflows and longer read lengths for diverse use cases; explore beyond the limitations of short reads.*

Speed: Rapid sequencing and near real-time data processing reduce time-to-data from days to hours.

Scalability: Tunable sequencing output and batch sizes support seamless scalability, from pilot to production-scale projects.

Accuracy: Achieve the level of accuracy desired for a wide range of methods and applications, all at a rapid pace.

Platform workflow

Library preparation

Library preparation may be performed manually or using automated liquid handling systems. While the same reagents support both simplex (SBX-S) and duplex (SBX-D) sequencing, the specific library prep workflow and application-specific steps will depend on the chosen mode.

Diagram showing SBX-D and SBX-S library prep and QC workflows for the AXELIOS 1 NGS platform, highlighting amplification.

Xpandomer synthesis

Perform synthesis for 1 to 4 independent library pools in parallel. The automated on-chip workflow hybridizes upstream DNA libraries to the surface and enzymatically transcribes them into Xpandomers via the incorporation of base-specific X-NTPs. The Xpandomer backbone is then chemically expanded, and the molecules are UV-cleaved from the surface. Finally, the sequencing-ready pools are eluted directly into barcoded output tubes that can be loaded onto the sequencing instrument.

Diagram of Xpandomer synthesis stages from hybridization to elution and the synthesis chip for the AXELIOS 1 NGS platform.

Sequencing

The reusable sensor module utilizes a dense, CMOS-based architecture featuring millions of independent microwells to deliver massive throughput for Xpandomer sequencing. Engineered for multi-run durability, a single sensor module supports up to 20 independent sequencing runs.

Every automated run initiates with a specialized workflow consisting of bilayer formation and nanopore insertion on the sensor module. Once sequencing is complete, an integrated cleaning protocol thoroughly resets the module, preparing the surface for the next run and ensuring long-term reliability.

NGS platform workflow for AXELIOS 1 system showing sensor modules, run initialization, and primary to post-primary analysis.

Analysis

Output files from on-instrument primary/post-primary analysis are compatible with standalone, customizable XOOS analysis tools (specifically developed and optimized for SBX data), as well as with third-party analysis tools.

Roche NGS platform workflow flowchart with highlighted steps for Integrated analysis and standalone analysis.

Dive deeper into SBX and NGS

AGBT 2026

AGBT 2026 workshop presentations

Johanna Whitacre @ AGBT26

The Power of One: AXELIOS 1

Johanna Whitacre
Network Lead, Sequencing Research and Development
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

Mark Kokoris @ AGBT26

The Power of One: AXELIOS 1

Mark Kokoris
Head, SBX Technology
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

Gustav Karlberg @ AGBT26

The Power of One: AXELIOS 1

Gustav Karlberg
Lifecycle Leader, Sequencing Systems
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

Mitu Chaudhary @ AGBT26

The Power of One: AXELIOS 1

Mitu Chaudhary
International Business Leader, Sequencing Systems
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

ABRF 2026

ABRF Technology Showcase presentation

Eric Chow @ ABRF26

Innovation in Sequencing: AXELIOS 1 and SBX technology for streamlining workflows in core facilities and beyond

Eric Chow, PhD
Director, Center for Advanced Technology (CAT)
UCSF

AACR 2026

AACR exhibitor spotlight presentation

Alex Robertson @ AACR26

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on AXELIOS 1: Detecting Low-Levels of ctDNA with High Accuracy

Alex Robertson
Director, Computational Biology
Foundation Medicine, Inc.

ASHG 2025
ASHG 2025

Workshop video:

Advances in Sequencing by expansion (SBX)

Multiomics, methylation mapping, oncology research and building a sustainable framework for ultra-rapid genome sequencing

Additional Presentations

ASHG 2025

Overview of AXELIOS Sequencing System and Research Applications in WGS

Mitu Chaundry
International business leader, SBX Technology
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

Jagdeesh Chandrasekar
Director of Advanced SBX applications, SBX Technology
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

ASHG 2025

Characterization of Cancer Transcriptomes and Fusion Isoforms using Roche SBX Technology

Brian J, Haas, Ph.D.
Principal Computational Scientist
Methods Development Laboratory (MDL)
Broad Institute, USA

ASHG 2025

SBX Technology for Single Cell R and Spatial Analysis 

Yutaka Suzuki, Ph.D.
Professor
Life Science Data Research Center
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences
The University of Tokyo, Japan

ASHG 2025

Leveraging Extremely High Throughput and Longer Reads Capability of SBX Technology for Advancing Transcriptomics and Spatial Analysis

Emma Davenport
Group Leader
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Download all event posters for ASHG 2025

Download all the event posters covering the following topics:

  • Demonstrating the Versatility, Accuracy and Throughput of Sequencing By Expansion (SBX)
  • Enhanced Detection of Structural Variants, VNTRs, and Haplotype Phasing with SBX Simplex Longer Sequencing (SBX-SL)
  • Whole Genome Precision at Scale: Sequencing by Expansion for Cancer Genomics Research
  • Whole Genome Sequencing Minimum Residual Disease Detection using Sequencing By Expansion (SBX)
ESHG 2025
Mark Kokoris @ESHG25
Sequencing by Expansion (SBX): A versatile, high throughput single molecule sequencing technology

Mark Kokoris

Head, SBX Technology
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

Sean Hofherr, PhD @ESHG25
Refining the SBX Fast workflow for reproducible speed and performance

Sean Hofherr, PhD, FACMG

Chief of Clinical Strategy and Product Development
Broad Clinical Labs

Redefining nanopore sequencing with Duplex Sequencing by Expansion (SBX-D)

A high-accuracy, high-throughput sequencing technology

SBX sequencing as a flexible RNA-seq toolkit

Enabling high throughput single cell transcriptomic profiling at scale

AGBT 2025

AGBT 2025 workshop presentations

Mark Kokoris @AGBT25

SBX Technology

Mark Kokoris
Head, SBX Technology
Roche Diagnostics Solutions

Edwin Cuppen @AGBT25

Cancer Whole Genome Sequencing using SBX technology

Edwin Cuppen
Scientific director
Hartwig Medical Foundation

Sean Hofherr @AGBT25

Enabling Rapid WGS for Trios by Roche SBX Technology

Sean Hofherr, PhD, FACMG
Chief of Clinical Strategy and Product Development
Broad Clinical Labs

Aziz Al'Khafaji @AGBT25

Multiomic drug response profiling in highly multiplexed cancer cell lines

Aziz Al'Khafaji, PhD
Director, Molecular R&D
PI, Methods Development Lab
Broad Clinical Labs

A person sits facing a laptop with cloud and data icons, representing AXELIOS 1 data analysis capabilities.

AXELIOS 1* data analysis

Accelerate insights with Roche AXELIOS 1 integrated analysis and XOOS tools. Transform high-throughput data into results with real-time base calling and mapping.

Contact us

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*The technology is capable of generating longer reads of up to ~1500bp (with a distribution from ~200bp to ~1500 bp) under appropriate sample and library prep conditions.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. AXELIOS is a trademark of Roche.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Data on File.