Illumina has expanded its next-generation sequencing (NGS) portfolio with the launch of its HiSeq X Five System and HiSeq 3000/4000 Systems. The new systems bring to market technology innovations and cost reductions that enable high-throughput laboratories to significantly increase their productivity.

The NextSeq 550 System, the first NGS system enabled for array scanning. The system's initial applications are for cytogenetics and prenatal genetic diagnosis (PGD). The company also unveiled a roadmap for further market expansion in the areas of reproductive health and oncology.

"Illumina technology has broken down barriers in genomics by increasing data throughput at an astounding rate, while at the same time dramatically reducing the price per data point," said Mr Jay Flatley, CEO, Illumina. He added, "These advancements enable us to deliver the industry's simplest, most efficient sequencing experience to our research and clinical customers as they work to forever transform our understanding of genomics and medicine."

The HiSeq X Five, HiSeq 3000/4000, and NextSeq 550 Systems are now available for order.

Sharing its strategies and innovations for market expansion the company said it will launch the VeriSeq NIPT Solution in Europe in Q2'15. The 48-sample non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) assay, based on paired-end sequencing, offers significant workflow and cost benefits by eliminating the need for PCR.

The company also announced a circulating tumor DNA development program to address the significant research and clinical opportunity for better understanding and improving cancer treatment and drug response. It plans to release research use only kits in 2015, and operate a laboratory developed test to gather clinical evidence for regulatory submission and work with key partners. It is also planning to update the intended use for the MiSeqDx for use with FFPE samples.