Roche launches next-generation qPCR system to advance clinical needs in molecular diagnostics and address public health challenges
Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. has introduced the LightCycler® PRO System, marking a significant advancement in quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology. The system, based on the proven gold standard technology of its predecessor, the LightCycler Systems, is designed to cater to the evolving needs of both clinical diagnostics and research applications. This launch is a strategic move by Roche to contribute to personalized healthcare and enhance readiness for outbreaks by providing agility and flexibility for translational research and diagnostics.
The LightCycler PRO System boasts innovative features that utilize gold-standard technology, ensuring quality, precision, and reliability. These capabilities are crucial for accurate patient diagnosis and effective clinical decision-making. The system addresses the dynamic challenges faced by healthcare systems post-pandemic, offering the flexibility to seamlessly transition between research and clinical applications.
Josh Lauer, Head of Molecular Labs at Roche Diagnostics, highlighted Roche’s commitment to meeting the needs of healthcare systems, stating, “Roche has made significant contributions in establishing and advancing PCR technology to address the needs of healthcare systems. The LightCycler PRO addresses those dynamics by offering the flexibility to switch seamlessly between research and clinical applications.”
Key features of the LightCycler PRO System include the ability for users to develop their own tests, supporting a portfolio of more than 200 LightMix Modular research assays and over 60 LightMix CE-IVD assays from Roche’s subsidiary, TIB Molbiol.
The system is set to launch in select countries by the end of 2023, with further expansion into more countries planned for the near future. It will carry the CE mark and have FDA 510(k) exempt status.
The LightCycler PRO System builds upon Roche’s legacy in qPCR technology, with a history of innovation since the launch of the first LightCycler real-time PCR System in 1998. The system is designed for both research and in vitro diagnostics (IVD) workflows, allowing laboratories to transition seamlessly from discovery research to testing patient clinical samples.
Notable enhancements include a new vapor chamber for improved temperature uniformity across the block, advanced software algorithms, and a completely updated software and user interface. These improvements contribute to making the LightCycler PRO System the most advanced in the LightCycler series.
Roche, founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, has evolved into the world’s largest biotechnology company and a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company’s pursuit of scientific excellence aims to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving lives worldwide. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, Roche has been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices as one of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceutical industry for the thirteenth consecutive year.
