Intel has cut a deal with Edico Genome, a start-up that is into the business of making high-speed DNA sequence analyzers. The collaboration is aimed towards enabling Intel’s Xeon chips to analyze DNA sequence data.
Integration with high-end Intel Xeon chips
According to Edico, Dragen can process a whole genome within 20 minutes, which is 30 times faster than without the Dragen chip. Dragen is marketed as an add-on for increasing the availability of genomic data. There are various uses for genome sequencing, such as analyzing the genome of cancer cells in patients over time to assist in guide therapy.
After partnering with Intel, there will be a “tighter integration” of Intel’s high-end Xeon chips with Edico technology, stated President and CEO Pieter van Rooyen without talking about the financial details. Rooyen said that products from the Intel and Edico partnership will be available in the market starting next year. Additionally, the executive mentioned that Edico’s patent broadly covers the proprietary technology essential to Dragen and lasts until 2035.
Edico to use cloud computing for scalability
Edico will make this technology available through cloud computing in a couple of years, according to Rooyen. “It really allows our technology to be deployed in a very wide range of facilities,” van Rooyen said. The executive added that teams could move ahead with processing the sequencing machine all the way through to processing the genomic data in the cloud. He said this technology gives them a lot of scalability.
Apart from the deal with Intel, the company announced the winning its first patent for the technology in its Dragen bio-IT microprocessor, which is integrated into computers in the form of a PCIe add-on card similar to installing a sound or video card. Various other patents are in the pipeline.
Privately-held Edico has shifted its base to a new 9,000 square-foot office in Torrey Pines, leaving the Evo Nexus business incubator. Edico, founded in 2013 with four employees, has a total of 28 employees and plans to expand its office by adding more.
