Alithea Genomics launches extraction-free RNA sequencing kit for 3D spheroid drug screening
Alithea Genomics has introduced MERCURIUS® Spheroid DRUG-seq, an RNA sequencing library preparation kit designed to streamline transcriptomic analysis of three-dimensional spheroid models without requiring conventional RNA extraction steps.
Direct processing eliminates extraction bottlenecks
The technology enables researchers to process spheroids directly in an optimised lysis buffer, bypassing RNA extraction and pre-amplification protocols that have historically complicated work with 3D cellular architectures. The one-day work-flow delivers full transcriptome coverage whilst supporting high-throughput multiplexing for large-scale mechanistic and toxicity studies.
Performance data demonstrate detection of more than 14,000 genes per sample atapproximately 1.7 million reads. The platform maintains compatibility with Illumina and AVITI sequencing systems, with additional compatibility available upon request.
Closing the gap between 2D culture and tissue biology
“MERCURIUS Spheroid DRUG-seq follows our strong belief that 3D biology deserves transcriptomic profiling at scale. We can now bring full transcriptome insights into spheroid models without sacrificing throughput or simplicity,” said Riccardo Dainese, CEO and co-founder of Alithea Genomics. “We believe this tool will unlock new layers of transcriptomic discovery in drug screening and toxicology, enabling researchers to explore disease biology in architectures far closer to human tissue.”
Organoid and spheroid culture systems reproduce key structural and functional characteristics of in vivo tissues, providing physiologically relevant platforms for drug discovery and toxicology assessment. However, the complexity of three-dimensional extracellular matrices, limited sample inputs, and challenges inherent to RNA extraction from these systems have constrained conventional RNA-seq approaches.
Applications across drug development pipeline
The extraction-free methodology addresses these technical limitations whilst maintaining sensitivity and throughput requirements for pharmaceutical and academic research applications. The company positions the technology for use in 3D drug screening programmes, toxicity assessment protocols, and functional genomics investigations.
Alithea Genomics, founded in 2020 at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, is accepting orders for both kits and services. The company maintains offices in Europe and North America and will demonstrate the Spheroid DRUG-seq workflow at ASHG in Boston and ELRIG in Liverpool.
For more information, visit: https://alitheagenomics.com
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