Stratos Genomics

What Stratos Genomics does

Stratos Genomics is a Seattle-based biotechnology company founded in 2007 that developed Sequencing by Expansion (SBX), a single-molecule next-generation sequencing method. The technology converts target DNA into expanded surrogate molecules called Xpandomers — more than 50 times longer than the original template — using novel expandable nucleotide triphosphates (X-NTPs) and an engineered XP Synthase polymerase. The Xpandomers are then read on a CMOS-based sensor module containing approximately eight million microwells with nanopores, enabling massively parallel measurement of Xpandomer translocation through unique electrical signals generated by each base's Translocation Control Element. The architecture is designed to overcome the spatial resolution and signal-to-noise limitations of traditional nanopore sequencing while delivering cycle-free, real-time data.

The company was acquired by Roche in 2020 and its SBX chemistry has since been further developed and unveiled as part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, with the AXELIOS 1 sequencing platform targeted for a Research Use Only launch. Performance benchmarks disclosed by Roche include >99.3% mean raw read accuracy, F1 scores exceeding 99.80% (SNV) and 99.7% (InDel) on HG001 whole-genome samples, throughput of more than 5 billion duplex reads per hour (equivalent to seven whole genomes per hour at >30x coverage), flexible read lengths from 50 bp to more than 1,000 bp, and sample-to-VCF turnaround of under five hours. Application targets include decoding complex diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, with clinical validation highlighted in an NEJM publication on same-day genome sequencing in neonatal intensive care units.

The business model is a classic NGS razor-and-blade structure: instrument sales of the AXELIOS 1 platform are expected to generate hardware revenue, while proprietary X-NTPs and related consumables are expected to produce recurring reagent revenue. Go-to-market is conducted through Roche Diagnostics' global molecular diagnostics sales force and distribution network rather than via an independent Stratos Genomics sales organization. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, no end-customer logos are available, and the platform remains pre-commercial at the time of the input data.

Name

Stratos Genomics

Legal name

Stratos Genomics

Website

https://stratosgenomics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Stratos Genomics developed Sequencing by Expansion (SBX), a single-molecule next-generation sequencing technology that converts DNA into expanded Xpandomer molecules read via a CMOS sensor. Acquired by Roche in 2020, its AXELIOS 1 platform targets research institutions, pharma, and clinical labs globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Next-Generation Sequencing

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/qPCR, NGS-based assays) (HLAAALAA), Genomics & Molecular Diagnostics (Trial Support) (HLAGAEAD)

Keywords

• Next-generation sequencing
• Single-molecule sequencing
• DNA sequencing technology
• Genomic analysis platforms
• Molecular diagnostics

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sequencing Platform Sales: Revenue generated from the AXELIOS 1 sequencing platform, planned for Research Use Only (RUO) launch. As part of Roche Diagnostics, the technology is integrated into Roche's broader molecular diagnostics and sequencing portfolio.
2. Sequencing Consumables: Revenue from proprietary X-NTPs and other consumables required for SBX workflow, creating recurring revenue streams from reagent sales

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Stratos Genomics developed Sequencing by Expansion (SBX), a single-molecule detection technology that converts DNA information into expanded synthetic molecules called Xpandomers, which are then read on a CMOS-based sensor module to enable high-accuracy, high-throughput DNA/RNA sequencing. The technology is embodied in the AXELIOS 1 sequencing platform, planned for Research Use Only launch, and supported by proprietary consumables (X-NTPs) and engineered polymerase chemistry.

Product overview

Stratos Genomics developed and commercialized the proprietary Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology, which was acquired by Roche in 2020. SBX is a single-molecule sequencing technology that converts DNA templates into expanded surrogate molecules (Xpandomers) using engineered X-NTPs and XP Synthase polymerase, then reads the sequence through a CMOS-based nanopore sensor. The technology portfolio includes the core SBX chemistry, Xpandomer synthesis components, and the CMOS sensor module, now integrated into Roche's AXELIOS 1 sequencing platform for research use.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AXELIOS 1 Sequencing Platform A sequencing platform based on SBX technology, currently in development and planned for Research Use Only launch; targets research institutions and pharmaceutical companies performing high-throughput, accurate DNA/RNA sequencing.
• Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) Technology Proprietary single-molecule sequencing method that converts DNA templates into expanded synthetic molecules (Xpandomers) read via a CMOS-based sensor module, enabling rapid, high-accuracy DNA/RNA sequencing for research and clinical applications.
• X-NTPs (Expandable Nucleotide Triphosphates) Proprietary nucleotide building blocks containing high signal-to-noise reporters, translocation control elements, enhancers for synthesis, and acid-cleavable bonds, used as consumables in the SBX workflow to generate Xpandomers.
• CMOS-based Sensor Module A scalable, reusable sensor array of approximately eight million microwells, each containing a biological nanopore, enabling massively parallel single-molecule measurement at hundreds of millions of bases per second; serves as the detection component of the AXELIOS 1 platform.
• XP Synthase Polymerase An engineered polymerase designed to incorporate large X-NTP monomers, enabling >99.3% mean raw read accuracy, uniform GC coverage, and longer read lengths in SBX sequencing workflows.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces sequencing time from days to hours
• +5 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• RochecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Roche acquired Stratos Genomics in 2020 and has since further developed and unveiled the Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology as Roche's proprietary next-generation sequencing platform. The AXELIOS 1 sequencing platform is planned for Research Use Only launch.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Illumina: Dominant short-read NGS platform provider (NovaSeq X, NextSeq) with extensive installed base and mature reagent/consumables ecosystem. Directly comparable as an NGS instrument and consumables vendor serving research and clinical customers.

Direct peers

• Pacific Biosciences: Long-read sequencing platform (Revio, Sequel II) targeting high-accuracy whole-genome and targeted sequencing. Comparable as a next-generation single-molecule sequencing competitor pursuing accuracy, throughput, and flexible read lengths.
• Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Nanopore-based sequencing platform (PromethION, GridION, MinION) offering real-time, long-read sequencing. Directly comparable as the primary nanopore alternative that SBX aims to differentiate from via expanded reporter chemistry.
• MGI Tech: BGI-affiliated sequencing platform provider (DNBSEQ) offering high-throughput NGS instruments and reagents. Comparable as a competing NGS instrument and consumables vendor with global commercial reach.

Emerging players

• Element Biosciences: Developer of the AVITI benchtop NGS platform targeting lower-cost, high-accuracy sequencing. Comparable as an emerging NGS instrument competitor pursuing disruptive chemistry and pricing.
• Singular Genomics: Developer of the G4 benchtop sequencer positioned for flexibility across sequencing applications. Comparable as an emerging NGS instrument vendor pursuing research and clinical markets with novel platform approaches.
• Ultima Genomics: Developer of the UG100 sequencing platform targeting ultra-low-cost whole-genome sequencing at scale. Comparable as a high-throughput, low-cost NGS competitor pursuing large-scale genomics applications.

Others

• 10x Genomics: Provider of linked-read, single-cell, and spatial genomics tools that often run on top of Illumina sequencers. Comparable as an adjacent NGS-tools company whose product roadmap depends on sequencing platform partnerships.
• QIAGEN: Provider of sample-preparation, NGS library prep, and bioinformatics solutions used across sequencing workflows. Comparable as a complementary life sciences tools vendor in the NGS ecosystem rather than a direct sequencer competitor.

Regional players

• Bionano Genomics: Developer of optical genome mapping technology (Saphyr) for structural variant detection as a complement or alternative to sequencing. Comparable as a genomics platform vendor competing for whole-genome analysis budgets.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds8 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stratos Genomics