TwinStrand Biosciences
TwinStrand Biosciences is a Seattle-based private genomics company that develops Duplex Sequencing, an error-corrected NGS technology achieving 10,000-fold higher sensitivity than standard sequencing. It sells kits, an AML MRD assay, and cloud-based bioinformatics to pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research customers for research use only.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersSeattle, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What TwinStrand Biosciences does
TwinStrand Biosciences is a Seattle-based, venture-backed private genomics company founded in 2015 that develops and commercializes Duplex Sequencing, an error-corrected next-generation sequencing (ecNGS) technology. By independently labeling and comparing both complementary strands of individual DNA molecules, the technology reduces sequencing error rates from roughly 1-in-100 (standard NGS) to 1-in-10 million per nucleotide — a 10,000-fold improvement in sensitivity — enabling detection of ultra-rare variants down to <0.01% variant allele frequency. TwinStrand sells DuplexSeq library preparation kits for human, mouse, and rat samples (in 24- and 48-reaction formats), licenses the AML MRD Assay for ultrasensitive minimal residual disease detection in acute myeloid leukemia, and provides custom assay development and nitrosamine testing services through a sales-led, enterprise-direct GTM motion targeting pharmaceutical, biotech, hematology/oncology research, and academic/government customers. Bioinformatics is delivered via a cloud platform hosted on DNAnexus, and all products are labeled For Research Use Only. As of February 2026, TwinStrand divested its DuplexSeq Mutagenesis Assays nonclinical genomic safety business to Scantox Group under an exclusive global license, refocusing the company on AML MRD and broader clinical applications.
The business model combines one-time kit sales, subscription platform access bundled with kits, professional services (custom assay development, nitrosamine testing), and licensing royalties derived from its exclusively licensed University of Washington patent estate — the lattermost being materially validated by an $83.4M November 2023 jury verdict against Guardant Health for willful infringement. Customer acquisition relies on scientific conference participation (SOT, ASH, EMGS, ACT, ICT), peer-reviewed publications in PNAS and Nature, and webinar-based education with collaborators such as Health Canada. TwinStrand is incorporated in Delaware, headquartered at 3131 Elliott Ave in Seattle, and has raised approximately $93M+ across multiple rounds led by Section 32, Madrona, Janus Henderson, Ridgeback, Alexandria, and Soleus Capital. All products remain research-use-only, with no FDA approval yet obtained.
TwinStrand Biosciences firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TwinStrand Biosciences
- Legal name
- TwinStrand Biosciences, Inc.
- Website
- https://twinstrandbio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TwinStrand Biosciences is a Seattle-based private genomics company that develops Duplex Sequencing, an error-corrected NGS technology achieving 10,000-fold higher sensitivity than standard sequencing. It sells kits, an AML MRD assay, and cloud-based bioinformatics to pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research customers for research use only.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TwinStrand Biosciences industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Genomics Sequencing Reagents and Services
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Medical Laboratories (621511), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)
Keywords
Where TwinStrand Biosciences is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seattle
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
TwinStrand Biosciences business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Kit Sales: TwinStrand sells DuplexSeq library preparation kits (both custom and off-the-shelf) that include sample preparation reagents, documentation, and access to the cloud-based analysis platform. Kits are available in 24 or 48 reaction sizes for human, mouse, and rat samples.
- Platform Access (SaaS): Customers upload sequencing data to TwinStrand's cloud-based DuplexSeq Bioinformatics Platform (hosted on DNAnexus) for error correction and analysis. Platform access is included with kit purchases and requires login credentials.
- Professional Services: Implementation services, technical support, R&D services, and other assistance performed for customers by TwinStrand personnel, as specified in Orders.
- Licensing Royalties: TwinStrand generates licensing revenue from their Duplex Sequencing patents. In November 2023, a federal jury found Guardant Health willfully infringed University of Washington Duplex Sequencing patents exclusively licensed to TwinStrand, awarding $83.4M in damages.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Kit-based product sales with platform access |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
TwinStrand Biosciences product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TwinStrand Biosciences develops and sells Duplex Sequencing, an error-corrected next-generation sequencing (ecNGS) technology that reduces sequencing error rates from 1-in-100 to 1-in-10 million by independently tracking both strands of individual DNA molecules. The company commercializes this proprietary biochemistry through library preparation kits, an AML MRD assay, a cloud-based bioinformatics platform hosted on DNAnexus, and contract research services for nitrosamine and mutagenesis testing.
Product overview
TwinStrand Biosciences offers a portfolio of products based on its proprietary Duplex Sequencing® error-corrected NGS technology. The core offering consists of the DuplexSeq Bioinformatics Platform (cloud-based analysis software hosted on DNAnexus) combined with sample preparation kits. Key products include the AML MRD Assay for ultrasensitive cancer minimal residual disease detection and DuplexSeq Mutagenesis Assays for genetic toxicology testing. Services include nitrosamine testing and custom assay development. Note: The nonclinical genomic safety/Mutagenesis Assays business was transferred to Scantox Group in February 2026. All products are for research use only, not for diagnostic procedures.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DuplexSeq: Error-corrected next-generation sequencing technology platform that reduces sequencing error rates from 1-in-100 to 1-in-10 million
- AML MRD Assay
- DuplexSeq Mutagenesis Assays
Products and services
- Duplex Sequencing Technology Proprietary error-corrected next-generation sequencing technology that reduces sequencing error rates from 1-in-100 to 1-in-10 million by independently tracking both strands of individual DNA molecules and comparing results. Provides >10,000-fold increase in sensitivity over standard NGS for pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research customers.
- AML MRD Assay Error-corrected NGS-based minimal residual disease (MRD) detection assay for acute myeloid leukemia that provides ultrasensitive detection with variant identification down to <0.01% limit of detection (1 in 10,000), significantly greater sensitivity than standard NGS or multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC). Used by academic and clinical researchers for MRD monitoring, relapse prediction, and cell therapy monitoring. For Research Use Only, not for diagnostic procedures.
- DuplexSeq Mutagenesis Assays Error-corrected NGS-based assays for characterizing DNA mutations and calculating mutational frequencies in genetic toxicology, available for human, mouse, and rat samples in in vitro and in vivo formats. Includes sample preparation kits and automated analysis software. Note: The nonclinical genomic safety business was transferred to Scantox Group in February 2026.
- TwinStrand Duplex Sequencing Mutagenesis Panel (Human-50 / Mouse-50 / Rat-50) Library preparation kits for error-corrected NGS mutagenesis analysis sold in 24 or 48 reaction sizes for human (06-1005-02, 06-1005-03), mouse (06-1006-02, 06-1006-03), and rat (06-1007-02, 06-1007-03) samples. Includes sample preparation reagents, documentation, and access to the cloud-based analysis platform.
- Nitrosamine Testing Services Contract research services for nitrosamine impurity mutagenicity testing using Duplex Sequencing technology, addressing increased regulatory scrutiny of nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals. Sold to pharmaceutical manufacturers for regulatory submissions and safety assessment.
- Customizable Assay Development Custom assay development services allowing customers to collaborate with TwinStrand scientists to develop custom kits for specialized NGS research needs beyond the off-the-shelf panels.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10,000-fold increase in sensitivity over standard NGS
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use TwinStrand Biosciences
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
TwinStrand Biosciences technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature4 records
TwinStrand Biosciences partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Scantox GroupcoreScantox Group acquired the nonclinical genomic safety business of TwinStrand Biosciences through a technology transfer and license agreement. Scantox gained exclusive global rights to DuplexSeq Mutagenesis Assays and related genomic safety services. The acquisition complements Scantox's existing Big Blue transgenic rodent gene mutation assay portfolio, creating an integrated genomic safety platform spanning early screening through late-stage development. TwinStrand's Chairman of the Board stated that Scantox's regulatory expertise and quality systems position the company to deliver DuplexSeq to the genetic safety industry at enhanced scale.
- Exact SciencescoreTwinStrand Biosciences and Exact Sciences announced an exclusive license agreement for Duplex Sequencing technology. This strategic licensing arrangement allows Exact Sciences to utilize TwinStrand's proprietary error-corrected sequencing technology for specific applications, expanding the reach of Duplex Sequencing in cancer diagnostics and screening.
- Singular GenomicssecondarySingular Genomics and TwinStrand Biosciences collaborated to develop ultra-high accuracy NGS solutions for the G4 Platform. The collaboration aimed to leverage TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing technology with Singular Genomics' sequencing platform to enable advanced genomic applications requiring exceptional accuracy.
- Health CanadacoreResearchers from Health Canada (Dr. Francesco Marchetti and Danielle LeBlanc) conducted foundational studies using TwinStrand DuplexSeq Mouse and Human Mutagenesis Assays. The collaboration established laboratory and bioinformatic procedures to explore mutagenic responses, evaluate concordance with conventional endpoints, and investigate mechanistic information. The work demonstrates cross-laboratory reproducibility and sets the stage for modernization of mutagenicity testing.
- DNAnexuscoreTwinStrand's DuplexSeq Bioinformatics Platform is cloud-based and securely hosted on the DNAnexus platform. This hosting arrangement provides the infrastructure for customers to upload sequencing data for error correction and analysis.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
TwinStrand Biosciences competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Adaptive Biotechnologies: Adaptive's clonoSEQ assay is an FDA-cleared MRD test for AML and other lymphoid malignancies; it is the most direct clinical competitor to TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing AML MRD assay in the ultra-sensitive measurable residual disease market.
- Natera: Natera's Signatera tumor-informed MRD test competes directly with TwinStrand in the residual disease and recurrence monitoring space, particularly across solid tumor and hematologic indications where ultra-sensitive variant detection is required.
- Personalis: Personalis offers NeXT Personal and related oncology sequencing products; its focus on sensitive tumor profiling for biopharma and clinicians makes it a close comparable in cancer genomics assay development and commercialization.
- Guardant Health: Guardant is a leading liquid biopsy / oncology sequencing company and was the defendant in TwinStrand's $83.4M willful patent infringement verdict, making it a directly overlapping peer in cancer sequencing IP and assay commercialization.
Broad incumbents
- Exact Sciences: Exact Sciences holds an exclusive license to TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing technology for cancer diagnostics and screening, making it both a commercial partner and a broad incumbent competitor across the cancer testing market.
- Illumina: Illumina is the dominant NGS platform provider whose sequencing instruments underpin TwinStrand's workflow; it is a broad incumbent with potential to integrate or compete with duplex/error-corrected chemistries on its installed base.
- NeoGenomics: NeoGenomics operates a broad oncology and hematology testing services business including MRD offerings, overlapping with TwinStrand's clinical customer base and competing for ultra-sensitive oncology assay work.
Emerging players
- Singular Genomics: Singular Genomics collaborated with TwinStrand to enable Duplex Sequencing on the G4 sequencing platform; it is an emerging NGS instrument vendor that competes on platform-level accuracy and could become a partner or competitor over time.
- Strata Oncology: Strata Oncology focuses on molecular profiling and tumor-informed testing for advanced cancer patients, intersecting with TwinStrand's oncology sequencing applications as a smaller, emerging player in precision oncology.
- Resolution Bioscience (now part of Exact Sciences): Resolution Bio developed ultra-sensitive liquid biopsy NGS assays, including error-corrected approaches; it is now part of Exact Sciences and represents adjacent technology overlap with TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing chemistry.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TwinStrand Biosciences social profiles
Digital presenceTwinStrand Biosciences compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
TwinStrand Biosciences financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TwinStrand Biosciences leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
TwinStrand Biosciences funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors8 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TwinStrand Biosciences M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TwinStrand Biosciences
What does TwinStrand Biosciences do?
TwinStrand Biosciences develops and sells Duplex Sequencing, an error-corrected next-generation sequencing (ecNGS) technology that reduces sequencing error rates from 1-in-100 to 1-in-10 million by independently tracking both strands of individual DNA molecules. The company commercializes this proprietary biochemistry through library preparation kits, an AML MRD assay, a cloud-based bioinformatics platform hosted on DNAnexus, and contract research services for nitrosamine and mutagenesis testing.
Is TwinStrand Biosciences a public or private company?
TwinStrand Biosciences is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was TwinStrand Biosciences founded?
TwinStrand Biosciences was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TwinStrand Biosciences based?
TwinStrand Biosciences is headquartered in Seattle, United States, in the North America region.
How does TwinStrand Biosciences make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Kit Sales are the primary driver. The others are platform Access (SaaS), professional Services and licensing Royalties.
Who are TwinStrand Biosciences's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Adaptive Biotechnologies, Natera, Personalis and Guardant Health. Broad incumbents are Exact Sciences, Illumina and NeoGenomics. Emerging players are Singular Genomics, Strata Oncology and Resolution Bioscience (now part of Exact Sciences).
Does TwinStrand Biosciences have an API?
No public API is recorded for TwinStrand Biosciences.
What industry is TwinStrand Biosciences in?
TwinStrand Biosciences's product category is Genomics Sequencing Reagents and Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAF, Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays). Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 2835.