Library preparation automation reduces manual hands-on time for customers using Pillar Biosciences oncoReveal® tumor-targeted research panels
San DiegoMay 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 28, 2026, Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) and SPT Labtech announced the launch of the fireflyGO automation platform. This is a new benchtop liquid handling and library preparation solution designed to bring automation, speed, and simplicity to oncology-targeted research workflows. The fireflyGO integrates with the MiSeq™ i100 series sequencing system to help laboratories streamline workflows, enhance application flexibility, and obtain genomic insights more efficiently. By improving the accessibility, scalability, and ease of use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, Illumina continues to accelerate the application of genomics in cancer detection, helping it become a standard of care in oncology.
Illumina and SPT Labtech Launch fireflyGO
“Illumina is committed to providing end-to-end workflow solutions that help customers in the healthcare and research ecosystem improve the efficiency and accessibility of genomic testing,” said Sandy Ottensmann, Vice President and General Manager of Global Clinical Solutions at Illumina. “The fireflyGO platform, combined with Illumina’s MiSeq i100 sequencer and Pillar Biosciences targeted panel assays, will further advance research progress, promote the widespread use of cancer genomic testing, and help reduce turnaround times to deliver results faster.”
Simplified Automation for Oncology-Targeted Workflows
As part of the simplified workflow for the MiSeq i100 series sequencing and analysis, the fireflyGO platform enables automated library preparation and liquid handling. This workflow reduces manual steps, lowering laboratory staffing requirements while enhancing experimental reproducibility and reliability. The solution also provides automation capabilities for Pillar Biosciences’ expanding portfolio of NGS panels, supporting Illumina’s product offerings in oncology-targeted research.
“Simplifying oncology workflows helps improve research efficiency and test accessibility, thereby supporting faster delivery of treatment options. Our collaboration with Illumina reflects our shared focus on advancing efficient and accessible genomics workflows,” said Rob Walton, CEO of SPT Labtech. “By combining SPT Labtech’s expertise in automation with Illumina’s global leadership in sequencing, we are committed to helping more laboratories adopt genomics workflows.”
Expanding Illumina’s Oncology Research Portfolio
Illumina is also simultaneously expanding its Pillar Biosciences oncoReveal® targeted research product portfolio, launching panels and workflows focused on solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and lymphoid system diseases to support rapid and simple access to results:
- oncoReveal® Nexus 21 Gene Panel provides rapid sequencing for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies across multiple cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer, endometrial cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and myeloproliferative neoplasms.
- oncoReveal® Lymphoid Panel is an 84-gene DNA panel covering high-value B-cell, T-cell, and lymphoblastic markers, including full coverage of BTK, to help characterize lymphoid malignancies at the genomic level, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/large B-cell lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia, and various T-cell-related disease types.
The above oncoReveal panels are now available for sale to customers worldwide.
Enhancing NGS Accessibility in Oncology Clinical Research
The fireflyGO automated liquid handling platform, combined with Illumina sequencing platforms and partner-developed assays such as the Pillar oncoReveal panel series, fully embodies Illumina’s mission to “improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome.”
For more information on the fireflyGO platform, MiSeq i100, and Pillar oncoReveal panel series, visit Illumina’s booth #33106 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held from May 29 to June 2 in Chicago.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements include (i) challenges inherent in the development, manufacturing, and launch of new products and services; (ii) Illumina’s and its partners’ ability to deploy new products, services, and applications, and to expand the market for genomics-related products and services; (iii) challenges associated with multi-party collaborations, including Illumina’s reliance on partner performance; and other factors detailed in Illumina’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, or disclosed in public conference calls, the dates and times of which are announced in advance. Illumina undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements, review or confirm analysts’ expectations, or provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current quarter.
About Illumina
Illumina is dedicated to improving human health by unlocking the power of genomics. Our focus on innovation has made us a global leader in DNA sequencing and array technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets worldwide. Our products are used in life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging fields. For more information, please visit www.illumina.com or follow Illumina on WeChat.