Illumina launches 5-base solution for dual genomic analysis

SAN DIEGO - Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN), a profitable genomics company with $4.28 billion in revenue over the last twelve months, announced Wednesday the release of its 5-base solution, a new technology enabling researchers to simultaneously detect genomic variants and DNA methylation from a single sample.

The solution uses proprietary conversion chemistry that selectively converts methylated cytosine to thymine, preserving genomic information while allowing dual analysis. Two kit options are available: Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep for whole-genome coverage and Illumina 5-Base DNA Prep with Enrichment for targeted genomic regions. With a robust gross profit margin of 68.16%, the company maintains strong pricing power in its product portfolio, according to InvestingPro data.

"Our new 5-base solution reflects the many ways we are redefining what’s possible through the power of multiomics," said Steve Barnard, chief technology officer of Illumina, according to the press release.

The technology is compatible with Illumina NovaSeq Systems and the NextSeq 2000 System, using novel DRAGEN algorithms for simultaneous methylation profiling and genomic variant calling.

Bekim Sadikovic, research chair in Clinical Genomics and Epigenomics at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, who participated in early testing, stated: "Illumina’s comprehensive 5-base technique has the potential to change the way we look at functional genomics."

Sadikovic is presenting the solution’s application in rare disease research at the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting in Boston on October 15.

The company states the workflow is designed to be cost-effective and streamlined, potentially helping researchers investigate disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers for cancer and genetic diseases, and advance precision medicine research. Despite the stock’s 40% decline year-to-date, InvestingPro analysis reveals additional key insights about Illumina’s financial health and market position in its comprehensive Pro Research Report, available alongside 1,400+ other detailed company analyses.

Illumina is also showcasing its new Illumina Protein Prep product at the ASHG meeting this week. Trading at a P/E ratio of 12.83, the company continues to focus on innovation while maintaining profitability, as highlighted in additional InvestingPro Tips.

In other recent news, Illumina Inc. reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings, surpassing analysts’ expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.19, compared to the forecasted $1.01. The company also reported a revenue of $1.06 billion, slightly above the $1.05 billion forecast. Additionally, Illumina has announced the formation of BioInsight, a new business unit focused on developing data assets and artificial intelligence solutions to support life science research and pharmaceutical development. In another development, Illumina is collaborating with multiple pharmaceutical companies to develop companion diagnostics for KRAS biomarkers on its TruSight Oncology Comprehensive genomic profiling test. This partnership aims to expand tumor-agnostic claims for KRAS alterations, which are significant in cancer diagnostics. Furthermore, Illumina’s constellation technology is being piloted by GeneDx in a study to identify genetic variants associated with rare diseases, showing promise in accurately identifying complex variants. Meanwhile, BioStem Technologies appointed Brandon Poe as its new Chief Financial Officer, with Poe bringing extensive experience from his previous roles, including at Illumina.

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