PacBio , a global leader in high-accuracy sequencing solutions, announced that its HiFi sequencing technology has been selected as the primary platform for the Korean Pangenome Reference Project, a landmark national initiative led by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH).
The project aims to generate the first large-scale, telomere-to-telomere (T2T) quality reference genomes representing the Korean population. The resulting data will be integrated into the global Human Pangenome Reference Consortium (HPRC), helping to build a more comprehensive and inclusive genetic reference. This effort is expected to accelerate the discovery of population-specific genetic variants, enhance understanding of unexplained diseases, and enable the development of precision diagnostics and personalized therapies.
“This project represents a new chapter in capturing the unique genetic diversity of the Korean population and incorporating Korean data into international reference standards,” said Christian Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer of PacBio. “We are proud that our HiFi technology and integrated solutions have been selected for this landmark initiative. This work will serve as a critical foundation for advancing disease and evolutionary research, precision diagnostics and therapeutics, drug and diagnostic development, and the overall healthcare landscape in Korea.”
The Korean Pangenome Project, first announced by KNIH on September 5, 2024, reflects the country’s commitment to understanding and preserving its genetic diversity. Following a 2024 pilot phase that involved over 200 researchers and academic participants, the initiative is now expanding to include public participation, with a goal of sequencing more than 1,000 whole genomes.
As part of the collaboration, PacBio will deliver an integrated sequencing workflow that includes:
HiFi Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS): Providing highly accurate long-read data for over 1,000 participants.
Kinnex Full-Length RNA Analysis: Enabling comprehensive and precise transcriptome profiling.
CiFi Technology for Chromosome-Scale Analysis: Facilitating detection of structural variants and complex genomic features.
This marks the first national pangenome initiative to adopt PacBio’s complete technology suite, combining accuracy, completeness, and resolution across both DNA and RNA analysis. The integration of PacBio’s advanced sequencing solutions positions Korea at the forefront of global genomic research, paving the way for precision medicine innovations and population-specific health insights
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