Hitachi High-Tech acquires majority stake in Nabsys: A transformative move in genomic analysis

Hitachi High-Tech Corporation has announced the acquisition of a majority interest in Nabsys 2.0 LLC, a company specializing in genomic structural variation analysis. This strategic move makes Nabsys a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi High-Tech Group, marking a significant expansion in Hitachi High-Tech’s molecular diagnostics capabilities. The acquisition is set to accelerate the adoption of Nabsys’s advanced genomic tools, including the OhmX Analyzer.

Enhancing genomic structural variation analysis

Hitachi High-Tech’s investment in Nabsys dates back to 2019, aiming to harness the potential of genomics for improving human health. The OhmX Analyzer™, a key product from Nabsys, offers high-resolution analysis of structural variants (SVs) in DNA, providing insights that traditional methods may overlook. This acquisition will enable Hitachi High-Tech to bolster its molecular diagnostics business, contributing to the development of innovative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic solutions for cancer and rare diseases.

The significance of structural variants

Structural variants are a major form of genomic variation, associated with various disease states, including cancer. Traditional methods, such as cytogenetics and short-read sequencing, often fall short in detecting these variants. The OhmX Analyzer addresses this gap by utilizing electronic genome mapping, which captures long DNA molecules and measures their shapes with high precision. This method enhances the detection of SVs and potentially identifies oncogenic drivers critical for cancer research and treatment.

Advancing technology through collaboration

The collaboration between Hitachi High-Tech and Nabsys began in 2019, focusing on SV analysis and the development of complementary technologies. Nabsys’s expertise in instrumentation and consumables, combined with Hitachi High-Tech’s cloud-based analytic suite, Human Chromosome Explorer (HCE), has culminated in the OhmX system. This system uses solid-state nanochannels to detect DNA shapes, maintaining a compact instrument footprint and reducing the cost of SV analysis. The integration of OhmX with HCE offers a comprehensive solution that complements short-read sequencing and enhances the visualization of large structural rearrangements.

Future directions and global impact

With Nabsys now part of the Hitachi High-Tech Group, future developments will focus on scaling the OhmX platform and expanding its global reach. Hitachi High-Tech’s healthcare division is committed to “Innovating Healthcare, Embracing the Future,” and aims to integrate diagnosis, therapy, and digital technologies to improve healthcare quality. The acquisition will drive innovation in personalized medical care and contribute to advancing the field of genomics.

Management perspectives on the acquisition

Yoshimitsu Takagi, Vice President and Executive Officer of Hitachi High-Tech, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting its role in strengthening the company’s molecular diagnostics business. Takagi emphasized that combining Nabsys’s genome mapping technology with Hitachi High-Tech’s HCE will lead to unique solutions for cancer and undiagnosed diseases. He also noted that integrating the expertise of both companies will facilitate global expansion in the genome mapping sector.

Barrett Bready, CEO of Nabsys, praised the alignment of Hitachi High-Tech’s vision with Nabsys’s mission. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Hitachi High-Tech’s goals through the OhmX platform, furthering the advancement of genomic analysis technology.