PacBio HiFi Adopted as First-Line Sequencing Approach to Investigate Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC)

Rhea-AI Summary

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) announced on Jan 12, 2026 that a UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s research team will use HiFi whole-genome sequencing on PacBio Revio with SPRQ-Nx chemistry as a first-line approach to investigate Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). The study will sequence trios from 200 families (child plus parents), prioritize long-read HiFi data for comprehensive variant detection, and join the HiFi Solves Global Consortium. The approach aims to simplify workflows for challenging inputs (post-mortem tissue, newborn dried blood spots) and to increase diagnostic yield by resolving structural variants, tandem repeats, and by identifying de novo versus inherited contributors to risk. PacBio provides in-kind support and the project is backed by the SUDC Foundation.

Positive

• Planned sequencing of 200 family trios using HiFi long-read whole genomes
• Use of Revio with SPRQ-Nx chemistry for high-accuracy long reads
• First-line HiFi strategy aims to increase diagnostic yield by resolving structural variants and tandem repeats
• Project joins the HiFi Solves Global Consortium, expanding collaborative research

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+3.61%

17 alerts

+3.61% News Effect

+6.9% Peak in 26 hr 9 min

+$23M Valuation Impact

$658M Market Cap

0.6x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, PACB gained 3.61%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +6.9% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 17 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $23M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $658M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Families in SUDC study: 200 families (trios)

1 metrics

Families in SUDC study 200 families (trios) Trios from 200 SUDC-affected families to be sequenced on Revio

Market Reality Check

Price: $2.67 Vol: Volume 11,395,578 is 1.67...

high vol

$2.67 Last Close

Volume Volume 11,395,578 is 1.67x the 20-day average of 6,820,710, indicating elevated trading ahead of this announcement. high

Technical Price at $1.94 is trading above the 200-day moving average of $1.49, while still 28.81% below the 52-week high of $2.725.

Peers on Argus

While PACB was down 4.9% pre-announcement, momentum-screened peers CTKB and RXST...

2 Up

While PACB was down 4.9% pre-announcement, momentum-screened peers CTKB and RXST were up 6.37% and 9.16% with no same-day news, suggesting the move in PACB was more company-specific than sector-driven.

Common Catalyst Other peers like SENS and CTKB reported preliminary revenue updates, pointing to an earnings-related backdrop across parts of the medical devices space.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 08 (Neutral)

5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 08	Technology collaboration	Neutral	-4.2%	Launch of CiFi long-read 3C method with UC Davis using Revio sequencing.
Dec 30	Conference presentation	Neutral	+1.2%	Announcement of presentation at the 44th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.
Nov 28	Conference participation	Neutral	-2.9%	Participation in Piper Sandler’s 37th Annual Healthcare Conference with webcast.
Nov 13	Multiple conferences	Neutral	-1.2%	Participation in three investor conferences with fireside chats and 1x1 meetings.
Nov 05	Earnings update	Neutral	-4.3%	Q3 2025 results: $38.4M revenue, mix shift toward consumables, margin improvement.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, PacBio has combined technology updates and investor outreach with mixed market reactions. A Jan 8, 2026 announcement on the CiFi long-read 3C method saw a -4.23% move. Multiple conference participation notices in Nov–Dec 2025 produced modest positive and negative reactions. Q3 2025 results on Nov 5 reported revenue of $38.4M versus $40.0M a year earlier, with improved non-GAAP gross margin of 42% but a -4.25% price reaction. Today’s SUDC-focused HiFi adoption adds another research-focused milestone to this trajectory.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement describes adoption of PacBio HiFi whole-genome sequencing as a first-line approach...

Analysis

This announcement describes adoption of PacBio HiFi whole-genome sequencing as a first-line approach in a SUDC research effort covering trios from 200 families. It reinforces PacBio’s positioning in long-read clinical research following earlier technology and conference updates. Investors may monitor how such collaborations translate into instrument and consumables demand, alongside trends already disclosed in Q3 2025 results and recent regulatory filings detailing revenue, losses, and cash levels.

Key Terms

whole-genome sequencing, long-read hifi, structural variants, tandem repeats, +4 more

8 terms

whole-genome sequencing medical

"will employ PacBio HiFi whole-genome sequencing as the first-line approach"

Whole-genome sequencing is the process of reading an organism’s entire DNA instruction manual to capture all genetic information rather than just selected parts. For investors, it matters because having the full genetic picture can reveal new diagnostics, drug targets, or personalized treatments that drive product value, regulatory approvals, and long-term revenue potential, while improvements in speed and cost can expand market reach like making a complex map easier and cheaper to produce.

long-read hifi medical

"prioritizing long-read HiFi data for comprehensive variant detection"

Long-read HiFi describes a DNA sequencing method that produces very long stretches of genetic code with exceptionally low error rates by reading the same DNA molecule multiple times. Think of it as getting a clear, unbroken paragraph instead of many short, fuzzy snippets; for investors, that means faster, cheaper and more reliable discovery, diagnostics and product development in genomics-related companies, reducing technical risk and improving the value of related assets.

structural variants medical

"by resolving complex variants like structural variants and tandem repeats"

Structural variants are large-scale changes in an organism’s DNA—such as missing, extra, flipped, or rearranged chunks of genetic material—that are like tearing out, duplicating, or reshuffling chapters in a book. Investors should care because these changes can drive or explain diseases, alter how well diagnostics and therapies work, and shift the commercial and regulatory outlook for drugs, tests, and gene-based treatments.

tandem repeats medical

"by resolving complex variants like structural variants and tandem repeats"

Tandem repeats are short stretches of DNA that occur as identical copies placed one after another, like repeating beads on a string. Investors should care because the number and pattern of these repeats can change how genes work, serve as diagnostic markers or drug targets, and influence the value of genetic tests, therapies, and related regulatory or intellectual property decisions.

de novo medical

"to elucidate de novo and inherited contributors to risk"

De novo means “starting from scratch” — creating something new rather than buying, copying, or modifying an existing asset. For investors it signals a fresh venture or a first-time regulatory pathway where there is no operating history or precedent, which can mean higher upside if it succeeds but greater risk and uncertainty because outcomes, costs and approvals are less predictable; think of it as backing a new recipe instead of a well-known restaurant.

assay medical

"Applying HiFi sequencing as a first-tier assay is designed to consolidate"

An assay is a laboratory test that detects or measures how much of a specific substance is present or how well something performs, like measuring a drug’s concentration, a material’s purity, or a biomarker’s level. For investors, assay results act like a thermometer or quality check: they provide objective evidence about a product’s effectiveness, safety, or manufacturing consistency, and can strongly influence regulatory approval, market acceptance, and company valuation.

post-mortem tissue medical

"workflow especially in the context of post-mortem tissue and newborn dried blood spots"

Post-mortem tissue is human tissue collected after a person has died, used for scientific study, medical research, or to test how diseases and treatments affect real organs. Think of it like using parts from a retired machine to understand how it wears out and how to fix it. For investors, availability, ethical sourcing, and regulatory rules around these samples can affect the pace and reliability of drug development, diagnostic validation, and related biotech valuations.

dried blood spots medical

"context of post-mortem tissue and newborn dried blood spots as challenging"

A dried blood spot is a small amount of blood collected on special paper and allowed to dry, like a postage-stamp-sized sample that preserves key biomarkers for later testing. Investors care because this low-cost, easy-to-ship method makes medical testing, monitoring, and clinical trial sampling simpler and cheaper, potentially expanding market reach for diagnostics, lowering trial costs, and enabling broader patient access to health data.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Trios from 200 families who have lost a child to SUDC to be sequenced on PacBio’s Revio system with SPRQ-Nx chemistry, enabling increased diagnostic yield for grieving families

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), developer of the world's most advanced sequencing technologies, today announced that a UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s research effort led by Danny Miller, MD, PhD, and Alexandra Keefe, MD, PhD, will employ PacBio HiFi whole-genome sequencing as the first-line approach to investigate Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Backed by the SUDC Foundation and with in-kind support from PacBio, the project will sequence each child and their parents, prioritizing long-read HiFi data for comprehensive variant detection. Additionally, the University of Washington team will join the HiFi Solves Global Consortium, which brings together institutions around the world to study the value HiFi-based human genome sequencing may have in clinical research applications and to further our understanding of genetic diseases.

Applying HiFi sequencing as a first-tier assay is designed to consolidate and simplify the laboratory workflow especially in the context of post-mortem tissue and newborn dried blood spots as challenging sample inputs. The researchers hope to increase diagnostic yield by resolving complex variants like structural variants and tandem repeats and by including parents to elucidate de novo and inherited contributors to risk.

“Selecting HiFi sequencing as our first-line whole-genome assay allows us to search for answers with the accuracy and breadth these families deserve,” said Danny Miller, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and physician-scientist at Seattle Children’s. “By starting with long reads and incorporating parental data we can better resolve difficult variants, phase them accurately, and offer appropriate recommendations to families relevant to SUDC.”

“We’re honored to support this essential SUDC research,” said David Miller, Global Vice President of Marketing at PacBio. “Making highly accurate long-read whole genomes the starting point can accelerate discovery and, ultimately, the path to better answers for families.”

“The SUDC Foundation is proud to fund research that prioritizes actionable answers for families,” said Tina Yun Lee, CEO, SUDC Foundation. “Adopting HiFi sequencing as a first-line tool reflects a commitment to scientific rigor and compassion, two values that guide our mission to understand, predict, and one day prevent SUDC.”

For background on the award and team, see the SUDC Foundation announcement and UW Medicine newsroom posts.

About PacBio
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our products and technologies, which include our HiFi long-read sequencing, address solutions across a broad set of research applications including human germline sequencing, plant and animal sciences, infectious disease and microbiology, oncology, and other emerging applications. For more information, please visit www.pacb.com and follow @PacBio.  

PacBio products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.   

Forward-Looking Statements  
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to: the uses, advantages, or quality or performance of, or benefits or expected benefits of using, PacBio products or technologies; certain researchers from UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s employing PacBio HiFi to investigate SUDC; the University of Washington joining the HiFi Solves Global Consortium; use of HiFi sequencing to consolidate and simplify laboratory workflow; increasing diagnostic yield; use of HiFi sequencing to increase sequencing accuracy and breadth; use of HiFi sequencing to resolve and phase difficult variants, and benefits related thereto; accelerating discovery; and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including, challenges inherent in sequencing a large number of genomes, the difficulty of generating discoveries in new areas of research; potential product performance and quality issues; third-party claims alleging infringement of patents and proprietary rights or seeking to invalidate PacBio's patents or proprietary rights, among others. Additional factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in PacBio's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including PacBio's most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K, and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption "Risk Factors." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof; except as required by law, PacBio disclaims any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

About SUDC
The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to raise awareness, fund research, and serve those affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). The SUDC Foundation provides all trauma informed services and supports at no cost to the people it serves. www.sudc.org.

About UW Miller Lab
The Miller Lab at the University of Washington focuses on advancing genomics in clinical diagnostics, particularly in the context of rare diseases. The lab is committed to developing tools and resources that democratize access to cutting-edge genomic technologies.

Contacts (University of Washington Miller Lab)

Danny Miller
dm1@uw.edu

Contacts (SUDC Foundation)

Tina Yun Lee
Tina.Lee@sudc.org

Media: info@sudc.org

Contacts (PacBio)

Investors: ir@pacificbiosciences.com
Media: pr@pacificbiosciences.com

FAQ

What will PacBio (PACB) power in the SUDC research announced Jan 12, 2026?

PacBio HiFi whole-genome sequencing on the Revio system with SPRQ-Nx chemistry will be used as the first-line assay.

How many families will be sequenced in the UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s SUDC study?

The study will sequence trios from 200 families (the child and both parents).

Why is HiFi sequencing being used first-line for SUDC investigations in this study?

HiFi long reads are intended to improve detection of complex variants such as structural variants and tandem repeats and simplify workflows for challenging samples.

Will the SUDC project receive financial or other support from PacBio and the SUDC Foundation?

The project has in-kind support from PacBio and is funded/backed by the SUDC Foundation.

What consortium will the UW team join as part of the HiFi sequencing effort?

The team will join the HiFi Solves Global Consortium to study HiFi-based human genome sequencing in clinical research.