GeneFirst Ltd., a UK-based molecular diagnostics company specialising in cancer screening and oncology testing, today announced the launch of its second-generation library preparation kits for targeted cell-free DNA enrichment, another major milestone in its vision to improve access to highly sensitive oncology testing and enable earlier detection and monitoring of cancer.

These second-generation kits deliver up to 50% greater DNA capture from cell-free DNA samples, enabling improved performance with low-yield and low-concentration materials. By maximising recovery of cell-free DNA, the new kits offer significantly improved mutation sensitivity for the detection of clinically relevant cancer mutations.

With liquid biopsies, limited quantities of circulating tumour DNA remain a significant challenge for laboratories especially when working with early-stage cancers or low-input samples. The updated products feature several improvements that aim to increase mutation sensitivity even when sample material is limited.

“We so often hear that low yield and concentration of extracted cell-free DNA is a major bottleneck to liquid biopsy testing, which limits the ability to detect cancer-related mutations”, said Dr Simon Dailey, Application Scientist at GeneFirst and a key contributor to the development of the technology.  “Our key motivation for the second generation of the workflow was to offer an improved solution that extracts even more information to make better use of these precious samples.”

The performance improvements are powered by version 2 of the underlying GeneFirst proprietary ATOM-Seq technology together with a series of workflow improvements designed to ensure the final library better reflects the molecular complexity of the original sample. The second-generation products are available now, including mutation hotspot enrichment kits for colon, lung and breast cancer as well as a pan-cancer test.

“At GeneFirst, we are constantly challenging ourselves to improve existing technologies and the status quo,” said Dr Guoliang Fu, CEO of GeneFirst. “This launch reflects our commitment to innovation and determination to continually improve the performance of molecular testing.”

The second-generation workflow further reinforces GeneFirst’s mission to advance precision oncology through innovative technologies that improve cancer detection and support better patient outcomes.

About the XCeloSeq Targeted cfDNA Kits

This range of NGS library preparation kits are used for low-frequency mutation hotspot sequencing from cell-free DNA samples, producing a sequencing-ready library in 6 hours.

About ATOM-Seq

GeneFirst’s proprietary ATOM-Seq™ technology which underpins all XCeloSeq kits is now updated to version 2 for cell-free DNA. This novel, ligation-free method for NGS library preparation was designed to address the challenges of clinical samples such as cell-free DNA or FFPE-DNA and FFPE-RNA, thanks to its unique approach to processing short, damaged and single stranded molecules.

About GeneFirst

GeneFirst Ltd is a UK-based molecular diagnostics company focused on advancing cancer screening and oncology testing through innovative molecular technologies. The company develops and manufactures diagnostic solutions that support the early detection, monitoring and management of cancer, helping laboratories and healthcare providers improve patient outcomes.

GeneFirst's portfolio includes HPV screening assays for cervical cancer prevention and next-generation sequencing (NGS) solutions for precision oncology applications. Through its proprietary technologies and commitment to scientific excellence, GeneFirst aims to expand access to high-quality molecular testing and support cancer prevention and personalised medicine initiatives worldwide.

Media Contact

Winnie Wu

Chief Operations Officer

GeneFirst Ltd

Email: winnie.wu@genefirst.com

Website: www.genefirst.com