Personal Genomics
Decentralized Third-Generation Gene Sequencing Platform

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms significantly improve cost-savings and process efficiency for the life sciences industry. While NGS is a crucial technology with wide-ranging applications, the current process often involves researchers sending samples to centralized locations with the required advanced tools and trained personnel. This fragmented approach leads to delays, disrupting the ever-tightening drug development timelines.

Shifting this paradigm with its decentralized third-generation gene sequencing platform is Personal Genomics, a pre-commercial stage R&D company revolutionizing DNA sequencing. It focuses on creating a small, easy-to-use, low-cost, and highly accessible sequencer that can produce faster results with short- and long-read flexibility for diverse client needs. Its technology can perform whole genome sequencing a thousand times faster and increase read length twentyfold compared to products currently on the market.

"We are passionate about expanding our reach and sharing the benefits of personalized genomics with people worldwide," says Johnsee Lee, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Personal Genomics.

Delivering Lightning-Fast Results with Ease

Research projects and clinical applications require timely results. In time-sensitive scenarios, such as infectious disease outbreaks or personalized medicine treatments, prompt access to sequencing data is crucial for effective interventions and patient care.
This heavy reliance on centralized sequencing facilities restricts researchers and healthcare providers, particularly in remote areas or developing regions, from accessing leading-edge processes. Geographic limitations and logistical challenges can also prevent on-time and affordable access to sequencing services, hindering progress in genomics research and limiting equitable healthcare opportunities.

Dr. Lee believes developing portable, cost-effective sequencing platforms closer to the sample source, like research laboratories, hospitals, or even point-of-care settings, will significantly improve accessibility, reduce the turnaround time, and lower costs. These advancements can empower researchers, clinicians, and patients to harness the benefits of DNA sequencing in real-time, accelerating discoveries, enabling prompt interventions, and enhancing personalized medicine approaches.

Through its decentralized, third-generation gene sequencing platform, Personal Genomics is poised to help researchers and clinicians across different locations share data, methodologies, and best practices to enhance their collective knowledge and accelerate scientific progress.

Accessible DNA Sequencing for the Life Sciences Space

After years of expertise poured into developing a device capable of effectively decentralizing NGS, Personal Genomics has unveiled its ground-breaking contribution to genome sequencing.

OES-D1, a small, low-cost, decentralized third-generation DNA sequencer capable of long-reading 7,000 base pairs within two hours. Industry-standard second-generation sequencers, meanwhile, can take an entire day to analyze 300 base pairs.

Leveraging Taiwan’s semiconductor infrastructure, OES uses a high-density array of nano-wells and optoelectronic sensors on a microchip to conduct large-scale DNA sequencing. Allowing for faster and better results than traditional assays, the system’s distinct 3' end sequencing chemistry and proprietary enzyme ensure continuous, cost-effective, and highly accurate long-read gene sequencing.

The firm has successfully created two prototypes showcasing promising results after undergoing nearly 200 tests. Its goal is to make DNA sequencing more affordable and accessible to researchers and clinicians worldwide.

Quickly generating long reads and providing fast data acquisition, OES is set to enable real-time analysis, significantly reducing the time required to obtain sequencing data and enabling reliable decision-making in research and clinical settings. Through these competencies, Personal Genomics can support applications across clinical diagnosis, pandemic control, agriculture, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

From an organizational standpoint, the company comprises an experienced and interdisciplinary team of semiconductor, optoelectronic, chemistry, biology, and software development experts. Its seasoned developers continually strive to build algorithms for reliable base calling, making it easy for users to process signal information and obtain desired DNA sequences from complex datasets.

Research groups in the U.S., Europe, and Asia support the company’s endeavors. The many peer-reviewed papers it has published in prestigious journals, like Natural Communication Biology and others, exemplify the genomics advancement efforts of Personal Genomics, its team, and its partner network.
Further highlighting the impact of Personal Genomics, Dr. Lee draws an analogy between the evolution of genomics and computing. Similar to how bulky mainframe systems were replaced with personal, handheld devices, his device can usher in a revolution in genomics studies, replacing the centralized process with personalized and accessible sequencers.

Driving Advancements in Life Sciences Research

By unlocking decentralized NGS, the platform can be a powerful tool that enables researchers to investigate previously inaccessible aspects of viral dynamics through more detailed sequencing.

Essentially, its long-read sequencing aids in detecting rare and complex genetic variants, which are relevant for understanding disease susceptibility, drug response, and adverse reactions.

This can be pivotal in clinical applications to advance better treatment methodologies for complex diseases like cancer. Similarly, the device’s ability to provide a comprehensive view of an individual's genetic variation can prove immensely beneficial for leading-edge research in personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics. Beyond clinical uses, it can be leveraged to study plant gene expression and uncover efficient ways of understanding and improving their characteristics and yield.

To illustrate its advantages, Personal Genomics recently engaged with a life sciences company regarding HLA typing applications. This involves identifying specific genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), which is crucial in understanding a person's immunology. HLA typing is critical in medical procedures such as bone marrow or liver transplants, as it helps match individuals with organs based on their genetic sequences. Not only does this contribute to the success of the transplant, it reduces the risk of adverse immune responses.

Accessible and Robust Life Sciences R&D

Solely focused on R&D in the past, Personal Genomics is now looking for collaborators in instrumentation, chip-making, and chemical and reagent production. To accelerate this, the firm is working with organizations with a pre-existing idea for a life sciences application and an established market presence. It plans to commercialize the decentralized NGS technologies and enhance access to international markets—whether in joint ventures or through financial, manufacturing, or business integration. Backing this roadmap is its internationally proven track record of working with leading industry players from Japan, Europe, and the U.S.
“At Personal Genomics, we are excited about the prospect of collaborating with international partners to quickly and effectively bring our innovative products to market,” states Dr. Lee.

In a market where leading-edge gene sequencing is limited to a few life sciences researchers, Personal Genomics seeks to unlock the immense potential of gene sequencing. It aims to make high-tech healthcare affordable and accessible to everyone.

Above all, Personal Genomics wants to democratize genomics, making it easier for life sciences businesses to take control of their genetic data and revolutionize multiple verticals.