Illumina has announced the development of an advanced spatial transcriptomics technology, with commercial availability expected in 2026. This next-generation solution is designed to enhance researchers’ ability to map complex tissues and analyse cellular behavior at an unprecedented scale. By providing unbiased whole-transcriptome profiling with cellular resolution and high sensitivity, the technology is set to expand the scope of spatial research and enable applications that were previously considered unfeasible.
Spatial transcriptomics facilitates the study of biological interactions at the cellular level. Through a process known as “cell atlasing,” researchers can map the intricate spatial organisation of cells within tissues, offering critical insights into disease mechanisms. This innovation supports discoveries in key research areas, including tumor microenvironments, disease progression pathways, neurobiology and immuno-oncology.
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Illumina’s new spatial technology significantly enhances experimental capacity, enabling the analysis of millions of cells per experiment. With a capture area nine times larger and four times greater resolution than those of currently available solutions, the platform improves the identification of rare cell populations and enhances statistical reliability. The system is fully compatible with Illumina’s NextSeq and NovaSeq sequencers, making high-resolution spatial research more cost-effective and accessible for single-cell and spatial researchers.
To complement this technological breakthrough, Illumina is introducing Illumina Connected Multiomics (ICM), a new multimodal analysis platform designed to streamline spatial data visualisation. ICM allows researchers to navigate and analyse complex multiomic datasets, driving deeper insights into biological systems. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing sequencing workflows, providing powerful statistical analyses and interactive visualisations for genomic, proteomic, spatial transcriptomic, epigenetic and single-cell data within a single interface.
Graysen Vigneux, medical analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Illumina’s spatial transcriptomics technology represents a major advancement in cellular analysis, offering unprecedented resolution and scalability. By integrating high-throughput sequencing with spatial analysis, Illumina is setting a new standard in scientific research, paving the way for transformative discoveries and deeper biological insights.”
The introduction of this spatial transcriptomics platform is a milestone in genomic research. By equipping scientists with state-of-the-art tools to study complex tissue structures and cellular interactions, Illumina’s innovation has the potential to reshape the pharmaceutical industry’s understanding of disease and accelerate the development of targeted therapies.
