Revvity expands genomic sequencing services with Genomics England in landmark newborn screening programme
Revvity, Inc. has significantly expanded its collaboration with Genomics England to provide comprehensive genomic screening services for newborns in England. The new agreement builds upon an existing partnership by adding DNA sequencing services to Revvity’s current DNA extraction capabilities.
The enhanced collaboration will support the Generation Study, a pioneering research initiative led by Genomics England in partnership with the National Health Service. This landmark programme aims to screen up to 100,000 newborns for more than 200 rare genetic disorders, potentially transforming early intervention approaches for paediatric-onset conditions.
Integrated workflow promises faster results
The expanded partnership establishes an end-to-end genomic screening solution with localised laboratory facilities in England. By integrating both extraction and sequencing services within a single workflow, the collaboration aims to accelerate the screening process significantly.
Dr. Madhuri Hegde, Revvity’s senior vice president and chief scientific officer, emphasised the importance of this streamlined approach: “It is an honour to enhance our collaboration with Genomics England as we align to expand access to genomic sequencing in England. Our complete solution and localised lab facility help us deliver timely and reliable sequencing data in support of this critical programme that strengthens newborn health.”
The integration of services is expected to improve efficiency in generating clinical results, potentially reducing the diagnostic odyssey that many families with children affected by rare genetic disorders experience.
Research to inform future screening protocols
The Generation Study represents a significant advancement in newborn screening methodologies. Traditional biochemical screening approaches detect only a limited number of conditions, whereas whole genome sequencing (WGS) has the potential to identify hundreds of genetic disorders simultaneously.
Dr. Ellen Thomas, chief medical officer at Genomics England, highlighted the practical benefits of the collaboration: “This collaboration is an important step forward in our mission to generate evidence on the use of genomic sequencing in newborn screening. By working with Revvity as one of our sequencing partners for the Generation Study, we can integrate sequencing alongside extraction, streamlining the process, and generating results more efficiently, helping families get answers and access to care sooner.”
The evidence generated through this research will help inform future decisions regarding the implementation of whole genome sequencing in routine newborn screening programmes across the UK healthcare system.
Building on established genomic infrastructure
Genomics England has established itself as a global leader in genomic medicine, building upon the foundation of the 100,000 Genomes Project. The organisation now supports the NHS’s world-first national whole genome sequencing service and maintains the National Genomic Research Library.
The Generation Study represents a natural progression in applying genomic technologies to address unmet clinical needs, particularly in paediatric populations where early intervention can significantly alter disease trajectories.
Revvity brings substantial expertise to the partnership, with specialised focus in translational multi-omics technologies, biomarker identification, and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
The collaboration exemplifies how public-private partnerships can accelerate genomic medicine implementation, potentially establishing new standards for newborn screening programmes globally.
