Oxford Nanopore Technologies has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Singapore’s National Precision Medicine (NPM) program, spearheaded by Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE). The project aims to create a comprehensive structural variant catalogue that represents the genetic diversity of Singapore’s three major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, and Indian.
This catalogue will be instrumental for clinician scientists and researchers in understanding human genetic diversity and its implications for diseases. Oxford Nanopore’s role in the project involves sequencing 10,000 genomes from Singapore’s diverse population, including participants from the PRECISE-SG100K population cohort. The sequencing will be conducted using Oxford Nanopore’s advanced PromethION 48 sequencing devices, which are known for their high output and capability to provide detailed genomic data.
The project, which commenced in mid-2024, is expected to continue for up to 12 months. It is designed to enhance research and support precision healthcare by delivering comprehensive genomic information.
Oxford Nanopore has strategically invested in Singapore, positioning it as a commercial hub for the Asia Pacific region. The company recently expanded its laboratory facilities in Singapore to boost activities in training, knowledge transfer, and the up-skilling of local technical staff. This includes the deployment of sequencers at the Science Centre Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Technology, which will be used in educational programs for high school students, undergraduates, and adult learners.
Furthermore, Oxford Nanopore has enhanced its distribution capabilities in the region through an expanded partnership with UPS Healthcare, ensuring faster delivery of flow cells to Singapore and other parts of the Asia Pacific.
