Thermo Fisher Scientific formally unveiled two next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems designed to deliver a comprehensive solution that simplifies targeted sequencing during Genetic Solution Tour India - Bangalore. Built upon the proven capabilities of Ion Torrent technology, the new Ion S5 and Ion S5 XL benchtop systems provide scientists with rapid, cost-effective and flexible platforms that can be scaled for all research areas, including inherited disorders, infectious agents, microbial identification and translational cancer research.

Introducing the new product, Dr Gauri Ganpule, associate director - product management at Ion Torrent Business said, "Ion S5, S is for simplicity and scalability. With this platform our customers will be ready to achieve target sequencing in less than 15 minutes of set up time. That is a big step forward when you compare it with ion PGM or proton. It takes less than 45 minutes from DNA to data. This is huge step forward in the sequencing technology. This is not only simple but fast as well. It has the fastest run time, is the fastest benchtop sequencer in the world. This is also an extremely cost effective platform."

The Ion S5 and Ion S5 XL systems combine the ability to sequence gene panels and small genomes, as well as exomes, transcriptomes and even custom assays on a single platform. The platforms are designed with 'plug-and-play,' cartridge-based reagents to make setting up and operating the sequencers simple and efficient. With reduced hands-on time and streamlined workflow, the Ion S5 and Ion S5 XL systems make targeted sequencing more accessible to academic, translational and clinical research labs.

The new systems require just 15 minutes of manual set up time per sequencing run and less than 45 minutes of hands-on work from DNA to data when using the Ion Chef System for automated Ion AmpliSeq library construction, template preparation and chip loading. The Ion S5 system is ideal for academic or translational labs in need of an all-in-one sequencer without turnaround time constraints, while the Ion S5 XL system is ideal for clinical research labs requiring faster turnaround or higher sample throughput per day. The system features three new Ion chips; the Ion 520, 530 and 540 chips, which offer outputs of 5M to 80M sequencing reads generated in just 2.5 hours.

The Ion S5 and Ion S5 XL systems are For Research Use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.