GeL-SR-291-21 Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Long Read Instruments & Consumables

Tender description

Genomics England (GEL) has a requirement to purchase Long Read Sequencing Instruments and consumables to fulfil its needs in relation to the Cancer and Diversity Programmes. GEL wants to explore long-read and methylation sequencing in cancer within the NHS and accurately to sequence genomes of under-represented and diverse ancestries with a view that this novel technology could open opportunities to identify not only known genomic features and aberrations but also those that are currently unidentifiable using existing sequencing technologies. This could facilitate immediate returns in diagnostic value to the NHS and reaping more meaningful rewards in the near future through more thorough analysis of the whole genome. Long-read analytical methods are still in their infancy, GEL is building a knowledge hub around the trusted research environment for individuals to train their methods; in turn these methods feed into the clinical pipeline of the future. Nurturing the research environment will permit the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as potential new targets for drug discovery to benefit patients in the future.