PacBio HiFi Technology Selected as Core Platform for South Korea’s National Pangenome Project

Rhea-AI Summary

PacBio (NASDAQ:PACB) announced on October 13, 2025 that its HiFi sequencing technology was selected as the primary platform for the Korean Pangenome Reference Project led by KDCA/KNIH.

The program aims to generate >1,000 telomere-to-telomere quality reference genomes representing the Korean population, integrate data into the global Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, and accelerate discovery of population-specific variants to support precision diagnostics, therapeutics, and disease research.

PacBio will provide HiFi whole-genome sequencing, full-length RNA analysis, and chromosome-scale CiFi technology as an integrated solution.

Insights

Genomics Strategist

PacBio's HiFi wins a national-scale sequencing role, enabling >1,000 Korean telomere-to-telomere genomes for the global pangenome.

As the chosen core platform, PacBio will supply HiFi whole-genome sequencing, full-length RNA analysis, and CiFi for chromosome-scale work across a program targeting more than 1,000 participants announced on Oct. 13, 2025.

This delivers technical benefits: accurate long reads for fewer gaps and better structural-variant detection, plus transcript-level resolution from full-length RNA. The combined DNA and RNA approach supports more complete reference assemblies and variant catalogs.

Dependence rests on sustained sample throughput, consistent data quality, and integration with the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium. Watch delivery milestones, data release cadence, and the project's ability to reach its >1,000 genome target across the next 12–36 months.

Healthcare Policy Analyst

National endorsement strengthens PacBio's institutional footprint and links Korean genomic data to global reference standards.

The selection by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and National Institute of Health signals institutional trust in PacBio's platform for public‑sector genomics work. The project aims to integrate Korean genomes into the global Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, supporting more representative reference standards.

Key dependencies include participant recruitment beyond the 2024 pilot and timely data integration with HPRC. Risks stem from program scale, regulatory data governance, and timelines for public data release. Monitor participant enrollment, sequencing throughput, and stated data-sharing timelines over the coming 1–3 years.

More than 1,000 Korean genomes to be sequenced for global reference standards, advancing disease research and precision medicine

MENLO PARK, Calif. and SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PacBio (NASDAQ:PACB), a leading developer of high-quality, highly accurate sequencing solutions, today announced that its HiFi sequencing technology has been selected as the primary platform for the Korean Pangenome Reference Project, a landmark national initiative led by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), National Institute of Health (KNIH).

The project will generate the first large-scale, telomere-to-telomere quality reference genomes representing the Korean population and integrate the data into the global Human Pangenome Reference Consortium (HPRC). By building a more inclusive and comprehensive reference, the initiative is expected to accelerate discovery of population-specific variants, help improve insights into unexplained diseases, and support the development of precision diagnostics and therapies.

“This project represents a new chapter in capturing the unique genetic diversity of the Korean population and incorporating Korean data into international reference standards,” said Christian Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer of PacBio. “We are proud that our HiFi technology and integrated solutions have been selected for this landmark initiative. This work will serve as a critical foundation for advancing disease and evolutionary research, precision diagnostics and therapeutics, drug and diagnostic development, and the overall healthcare landscape in Korea.”

The Korean Pangenome Project was announced by KNIH on September 5, 2024, as a part of a nationwide commitment to capture the country’s genetic diversity. Following a 2024 pilot that recruited 200 researchers and academic participants, the program is now expanding to include members of the public, with a target of sequencing more than 1,000 whole genomes.

PacBio will provide an integrated sequencing solution across the workflow including:

• HiFi whole-genome sequencing (WGS): delivering highly accurate long reads for more than 1,000 anticipated participants
• Kinnex full-length RNA analysis: enabling precise transcriptome profiling
• CiFi technology for chromosome-scale analysis: detecting structural variants and complex genomic features
  

This marks the first national pangenome initiative to adopt PacBio’s full technology suite, combining accuracy, completeness, and resolution across DNA and RNA.

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, and benefits or expected uses, advantages or benefits of using, PacBio products or technologies; the expected number of genomes to be sequences in the Korean Pangenome Project; generating Korean population reference genomes and related HPRC and international reference standards integration; expected impacts of discovering population-specific variants and of the Korean Pangenome Project; 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, and uncertainty of outcomes resulting from, large population-scale projects; potential manufacturing, performance and quality issues; unexpected cost and tariff increases; regulatory requirements; and third-party claims alleging infringement of patents and proprietary rights or seeking to invalidate PacBio's patents or proprietary rights. 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.

Contacts (PacBio)

Investors:
Jim Gibson: jamesgibson@pacb.com or ir@pacificbiosciences.com 

Media:
pr@pacificbiosciences.com

FAQ

What did PacBio (PACB) announce on October 13, 2025 about the Korean Pangenome Project?

PacBio said its HiFi sequencing technology was selected as the primary platform for the Korean Pangenome Reference Project.

How many Korean genomes will PacBio sequence for the national pangenome project (PACB)?

The project targets sequencing more than 1,000 whole genomes representing the Korean population.

What PacBio technologies will be used in the Korean Pangenome Project (PACB)?

PacBio will provide HiFi whole-genome sequencing, full-length RNA (Kinnex) analysis, and CiFi chromosome-scale technology.

Will the Korean genome data be integrated into international references (PACB)?

Yes, the project will integrate Korean genomes into the global Human Pangenome Reference Consortium (HPRC).

What research and healthcare goals does the Korean Pangenome Project aim to support (PACB)?

The initiative aims to accelerate discovery of population-specific variants, improve insights into unexplained diseases, and support precision diagnostics and therapeutics.

When was the Korean Pangenome Project first announced and what expansion was noted (PACB)?

The project was announced on September 5, 2024; after a 2024 pilot with 200 participants it is expanding to include public members and target >1,000 genomes.