Illumina, Inc., a leader in DNA sequencing and array technologies, has launched a pilot proteomics program analyzing 50,000 UK Biobank samples. In collaboration with deCODE Genetics, GSK, Novartis, and others, the initiative utilizes Illumina’s next-gen proteomics assay, Protein Prep™, powered by SOMAmer® technology. This solution promises scalable access to proteomic insights, enabling advancements in drug discovery and disease research.
Proteomics, which examines protein functions and biomarkers, supports breakthroughs in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions. Illumina’s high-throughput Protein Prep technology enhances protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) discovery, linking genetic variations to protein expression and disease phenotypes.
UK Biobank will contribute 50,000 samples, including 30,000 funded by Illumina, deCODE Genetics, and Standard BioTools. The samples will be processed using NovaSeq™ X Plus and the DRAGEN Protein Quantification pipeline. Data from these samples will be shared with researchers in 2025. For the remaining 20,000 samples, consortium members will receive exclusive access before release to the broader scientific community.
Illumina aims to deliver rich proteomics data to accelerate medical research. “This project will generate high-quality data, advancing biological insights for researchers and pharma partners,” said Steve Barnard, CTO of Illumina.
UK Biobank Principal Investigator Sir Rory Collins praised the program’s potential to enhance understanding of genetics, environment, and lifestyle in disease development. Standard BioTools CEO Michael Egholm highlighted the transformative potential of combining SOMAmer multiplexing with next-gen sequencing.
The Illumina Protein Prep assay detects 9,000 proteins using 11,000 SOMAmer reagents and supports multiomics studies on NovaSeq platforms. Full launch is expected in early 2025.
This pilot marks a milestone in proteomics, fostering collaboration between researchers and industry leaders to advance global healthcare.


Samsung Electronics Posts Eightfold Profit Surge Driven by AI Chip Demand
Bank of America Identifies Top Asia-Pacific Semiconductor Stocks Poised for AI-Driven Growth
Tokyo Electric Power Attracts Major Investors Amid Billion-Dollar Restructuring Push
U.S. Automakers Push Back Against EU Rules Blocking American Trucks from European Market
NIO ES9 SUV Launch Sends HK Shares Down 7% Despite Bold Pricing Strategy
Lumentum Holdings Rides AI Wave With Order Book Filled Through 2028
FedEx Pilots and Union Reach Tentative Agreement on 40% Pay Increase
Disney Plans to Cut 1,000 Jobs Amid Ongoing Restructuring Efforts
Anthropic's Mythos AI Model Sparks Emergency Cybersecurity Meeting With Top U.S. Bank CEOs
Alibaba Shares Slide as Jefferies Slashes Price Target Over AI Spending and Business Losses
BHP's Incoming CEO Visits China Amid Pricing Dispute with CMRG
Goldman Sachs, ANZ Cut Oil Forecasts Amid U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes
China Vanke Seeks Bond Extension Amid Mounting Debt Crisis
Kia Cuts EV Sales Target for 2030 Amid Slowing Demand and U.S. Policy Shifts
Bill Ackman Eyes New Fund to Bet Against Market Complacency
Deere & Company Agrees to $99 Million Settlement Over Right-to-Repair Dispute 



