Macrogen launches Roche Axelios 1, expands genomics capacity

Macrogen implements Axelios 1 system

South Korean genomics company Macrogen initiated operations of Roche's Axelios 1 next-generation genome sequencing platform at its Songdo Global Genome Center in Incheon on 14 October 2026. Macrogen stated that the primary objective of this deployment is to enhance the speed of genetic analysis and significantly expand its capacity for conducting extensive research.

The company is among the initial global adopters of this system, which was developed by the Swiss healthcare enterprise, Roche. The platform became operational following an initial testing phase, marking a strategic move to strengthen Macrogen's whole-genome sequencing capabilities and enable the processing of larger volumes of genetic data with faster result delivery.

Technology and data throughput enhancements

The Axelios 1 platform incorporates Roche's Sequencing by Expansion technology. This method converts DNA sequence information into structures known as Xpandomers, which can be up to 50 times longer than the original DNA strands.

According to Roche, this technology facilitates high-accuracy sequencing and provides greater data throughput, with the flexibility of adjustable read lengths to suit diverse research applications. Macrogen intends to integrate this new platform with its existing automation and artificial intelligence-based analysis systems.

This integration is designed to reduce processing bottlenecks and shorten the overall timeline from initial sequencing to the final delivery of research results.

Expanding research scope and market positioning

Macrogen anticipates that the increased capacity provided by the Axelios 1 platform will support population-scale genomic studies. These studies are expected to involve thousands or tens of thousands of participants, alongside other research demands requiring rapid analytical processing.

Macrogen Chair Seo Jeong-sun indicated that by combining faster analysis with the company’s accumulated genomic data, automation, and AI agent capabilities, researchers will be able to shorten their project timelines. Seo Jeong-sun also added that this investment is intended to solidify Macrogen’s standing within the global market for large-scale genomic research services.

Implications for Asian genomics development

Macrogen's adoption of the Axelios 1 platform on 14 October 2026 signals a potential increase in the speed and scale of genomic research available to companies and institutions in Asia.

This investment by a major South Korean firm could drive competition in the regional genomics sector, particularly for services requiring rapid whole-genome sequencing and the analysis of large patient cohorts.

Decision-makers in pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and public health initiatives may find enhanced capabilities for drug discovery, precision medicine, and disease surveillance through such advanced platforms, potentially reducing research cycle times, a stated aim of Macrogen's Chair Seo Jeong-sun.

The next development to observe will be the specific output metrics and research collaborations announced by Macrogen in its Q4 2026 reports.