CariGenetics first in region to get ONT certification
CariGenetics, a Bermudian-based genetic research company, has become the first in the Latin American and Caribbean region to receive lab certification from a leading British organisation.
According to CariGenetics, it has received certification from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, making it the first Oxford Nanopore Technologies PromethION account in the region. PromethION is a state-of-the-art gene-sequencing device.
A spokeswoman said: “This certification, featured on ONT’s service provider list, marks a transformative moment for genetic research capacity in the Caribbean and beyond.
“Historically, Bermuda and other Caribbean islands have had to rely on laboratories in Europe or the USA for genetic sequencing.”
Oxford Nanopore Technologies was founded in 2005 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford.
The company now employs more than 1,000 from multiple disciplines, including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation.
According to its website, the management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.
The certification programme is designed to ensure certified service labs can offer the highest quality service on Oxford Nanopore devices.
Depending on the chosen devices all certification packages will include flow cells and reagents in order for the laboratory to complete the certification process.
Once the laboratory is certified, it will be added to an approved list of certified service providers around the world.
Carika Weldon, the founder and CEO of CariGenetics, said: “Receiving the service lab certification is not just a win for CariGenetics, it’s a monumental step forward for the entire Caribbean region.
“We are now at the forefront of genomic research, capable of conducting high-quality DNA sequencing right here in Bermuda.”
Dr Weldon added: “This capability will significantly enhance our research efficiency, broaden our scope of impact globally whilst enabling biotech innovation within the region.”
Julie Collens, VP Commercial, AMR, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, added: “We are delighted that CariGenetics has received Oxford Nanopore’s service lab certification.
“Nanopore sequencing is well positioned to serve the needs of clinical research lab customers, offering the ability to sequence any-length fragments of DNA/RNA and provide richer data and analysis, in an accessible and affordable format.
“Increasing access to the nanopore platform for a variety of different customer types is at the core of our vision to enable the analysis of anything, anywhere.”
The spokeswoman added that with the certification, CariGenetics was now equipped to launch Seq2Know, a certified DNA sequencing service that offers “a more efficient, accessible and local human and biodiversity genetic sequencing solution for the region and international clients”.
As a part of Seq2Know, CariGenetics will also launch Seq2Know@School, which involves bespoke packages to support those interested in incorporating ONT sequencing into STEM learning at all levels, from the classroom to PhD research.
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