Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched two next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems designed to deliver a comprehensive solution that simplifies targeted sequencing. Built upon 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.

“Ion Torrent technology has played a pivotal role in the success of the Saudi Human Genome Program, a national research project which to date has led to key published findings related to inherited disease research in the Kingdom,” said Brian Meyer, Ph.D., chairman, department of Genetics Research Centre at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. “The simplicity and streamlined workflow of the new Ion S5 system demonstrates the next level of innovation for the platform, and it equally raises the bar for this important work in our lab.”

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.