• AXELIOS 1 introduces Roche's proprietary sequencing by expansion (SBX) technology, designed for flexibility and performance to tackle a wide range of sequencing workflows with speed and accuracy
• As APAC's genomics capabilities expand, the platform offers researchers greater freedom to pursue studies of varying scale and complexity
• Roche will bring together researchers and laboratory leaders at AXELIOS Days in Australia and South Korea this November to explore the technology's potential for genomic research

Roche is advancing its next-generation sequencing (NGS) ambitions in Asia Pacific following the global launch of AXELIOS 1 in June 2026. Building on early adoption in South Korea, Roche will bring the transformative technology closer to researchers and laboratory leaders across the region through AXELIOS Days in Sydney and Seoul this November.

Lim Hong Yew, APAC Value Stream Lead, Lab & C-Suite, Roche Diagnostics, said: "For too long, laboratories have had to balance sequencing speed, accuracy, scale and cost. AXELIOS 1 presents an immense opportunity to change that equation, giving researchers greater flexibility and freedom to pursue studies that are challenging to undertake. Across Asia Pacific, our ambition is to help laboratories build on the region's growing genomics capabilities and vibrant ecosystems to explore questions that were previously beyond reach."

A new approach to sequencing
At the core of AXELIOS 1 is Roche's proprietary sequencing by expansion (SBX) technology. It converts genetic information into synthetic molecules called Xpandomers, approximately 50 times longer than the original DNA fragments. This makes individual bases easier to distinguish, supporting high-accuracy sequencing. The platform combines this approach with high-speed processing, offering sequencing runs of approximately 15 minutes to four hours and generating at least 1.8 terabases in a four-hour run, with the potential to deliver whole-genome sequencing results within the same day ^2,3.

For laboratories, this combination of accuracy, speed and scale offers greater flexibility to manage different research demands, from smaller, time-sensitive projects to large genomic studies, without waiting to accumulate enough samples for a full sequencing run.

"When evaluating new sequencing technologies, we look beyond technical performance to what they could enable for the researchers we serve," said Changhoon Kim, CEO, Macrogen. "With AXELIOS 1, we saw an opportunity to respond to a wider range of research needs and take on projects that may previously have been difficult to pursue. For us, the value lies in what we can make possible for the scientists who rely on our services."

Looking ahead for genomic research in Asia Pacific
As new sequencing capabilities open up opportunities for research, the focus is shifting towards what scientists can investigate next. Roche will bring this conversation to AXELIOS Days in Sydney, Australia, on 9–10 November and Seoul, South Korea, on 12–13 November 2026, convening researchers, laboratory leaders and international genomics experts. Through scientific discussions on emerging applications and live demonstrations of AXELIOS 1, the events will explore how advances in sequencing could enable new approaches to understanding human biology and disease.

Cath Moore, Chief Scientific Officer, Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF), said: "One of the most rewarding aspects of working in genomics is seeing how quickly researchers turn new technologies into new discoveries. The Roche AXELIOS 1 platform brings a different combination of speed, scalability, flexibility, and read-length capability that will help Australian researchers pursue important questions more effectively. We're particularly excited by the possibilities it creates, not only to improve existing applications, but to explore new ways genomic technologies can contribute to research, healthcare, and innovation. Our role at AGRF is to make these capabilities accessible and support researchers as they push the boundaries of what's possible."