Pacific Biosc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) subsidiary Athena Diagnostics has launched a new laboratory test service for improved genetic testing of ataxia, a group of degenerative neurological disorders affecting movement and coordination. The test, developed in collaboration with PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), utilizes PacBio's PureTarget sequencing method to identify long DNA repeat sequences that conventional testing might miss.

The new test will serve as a confirmatory tool following initial PCR screening, with testing conducted at Athena's Marlborough laboratory. A preprint study demonstrated the test's ability to identify specific gene patterns in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10, potentially helping predict disease onset. Recent studies indicate ataxia affects 26 per 100,000 children, with genetic causes accounting for 10 per 100,000 cases.

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) has announced a major breakthrough in genomic research with the publication of the first Arab human pangenome in Nature Communications. The study, led by Mohammed Bin Rashid University, utilized PacBio's HiFi long-read sequencing technology to analyze genomes from 53 individuals across eight Arab countries.

The research uncovered 111 million previously unknown base pairs of DNA sequences, 8.94 million small variants, and 235,000 structural variants unique to Arab individuals. The study also identified 883 duplicated genes and over 1,400 base pairs of new mitochondrial DNA. This breakthrough is particularly significant as Arab populations, despite representing 6% of the global population, have been historically underrepresented in genomic research.

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) has joined the 1000 Genomes Long Read Sequencing Project to contribute long-read transcriptome data using its Kinnex RNA kits and Revio sequencing platform. The project will sequence approximately 1,000 samples from the 1000 Genomes cohort to provide transcript-level insights across diverse human populations.

In collaboration with researchers from the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University, the project aims to generate around 10 million full-length transcript reads per sample. The initiative will create an open-access RNA resource and develop bioinformatics pipelines to support long-read transcriptomics research, with early findings to be presented at the upcoming ASHG conference.

QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN) has launched QIAseq xHYB Long Read Panels, a new suite of target enrichment solutions designed for long-read sequencing of complex genomic regions. The panels are optimized for native long-read platforms, including PacBio's technology, and aim to improve analysis of structural variants, HLA typing, and repeat expansions.

Built on QIAGEN's hybrid-capture chemistry, the panels offer high target completeness, flexible formats including fixed panels for hereditary cancers and HLA typing, compatibility with high-molecular-weight DNA extraction kits, and integration with QIAGEN Digital Insights bioinformatics. The launch strengthens QIAGEN's position in providing solutions for both short- and long-read NGS technologies.

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), a biotechnology company, has scheduled its second quarter 2025 financial results conference call for Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time). The earnings call will be accessible through a webcast on the company's investor relations website.

Participants can join via webcast or dial in using toll-free (1-888-349-0136) or international (1-412-317-0459) numbers. Those choosing to dial in are advised to join ten minutes before the start time.

Target ALS has partnered with PacBio (PACB) to launch the world's largest whole genome sequencing initiative for ALS research, analyzing over 6,000 genomes using PacBio's HiFi long-read sequencing technology. The project aims to identify structural variants and genetic features that may cause ALS, a neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells. PacBio's HiFi technology captures DNA fragments of 1,000-20,000 base pairs, significantly longer than traditional short-read methods (50-300 base pairs), enabling better detection of complex genomic regions. The data will be freely shared through the Target ALS Data Engine, allowing researchers worldwide to access comprehensive genetic information. This initiative is particularly significant as 90% of ALS patients don't know their disease's cause, and the project could lead to breakthrough discoveries in ALS research, diagnostics, and treatment.

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), a developer of high-quality sequencing solutions, has announced its participation in two major upcoming investor conferences. The company will present at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on June 5, 2025, at 8:45 AM ET in New York, and at the 46th Annual Goldman Sachs Global Healthcare Conference on June 11, 2025, at 10:40 AM ET in Miami Beach. Both presentations will be available via live webcasts on PacBio's investor relations website, with replays accessible for at least 30 days after each event.

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) has appointed Haorui Gene as an official distributor in China to expand access to its HiFi long-read sequencing technology. Haorui Gene, established in 2020, has become a leader in blood typing genomics with seven Sequel II and three Revio systems deployed across China. The company will distribute PacBio's Vega platform throughout China, focusing on transfusion medicine and hematology applications.

Haorui Gene has published over 20 peer-reviewed papers and gained widespread adoption in Chinese blood centers. The company introduced HiFi-based HLA typing products in 2022 and blood group genotyping panels in 2023. In 2024, they expanded collaborations with major blood centers for rare blood classification and erythrocyte antigen mapping research.

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) announced the conclusion of an independent investigation by the Special Committee of its Board of Directors regarding allegations from an employee affected by a recent workforce reduction. The investigation focused on employment practices and cybersecurity matters. The Special Committee found that the allegations were unsubstantiated, confirming no improper employment practices and no material inaccuracies in the company's cybersecurity disclosures in its 2024 Form 10-K. Board Chairman John Milligan expressed satisfaction with the investigation's conclusion.