Chinese biotechnology firm MGI Tech has teamed up with Mexican genomics company Genos Médica and Chilean laboratory equipment supplier TCL Group to expand its advanced sequencing and lab automation platforms offering to local partners in Latin America.
According to MGI, the healthcare landscape in Latin America has been changing rapidly, with increasing demand for high-throughput sequencing technologies and testing.
Genetic testing enables scientific researchers to identify the sequence of DNA or RNA to study genetic variation related to diseases and respond with customised treatment.
The Chinese biotechnology company partnered with Genos Médica to provide local laboratories and institutes with advanced life science tools and enhance their genetic testing capabilities.
Established in 2011, the Mexican company provides complete management of hereditary diseases through its consultation services and specialised laboratory.
The collaboration between Genos Médica and MGI aims to establish a complete workflow with faster turnaround times.
The partnership includes MGI’s DNBSEQ-T7 Ultra-high-throughput Genetic Sequencer, DNBSEQ-G50 Benchtop Genetic Sequencer, MGISP-960 High-Throughput Automated Sample Preparation System, and data platform appliance ZTRON.
MGI LATAM senior commercial director and MGI Brazil general manager Carlos Carpio said: “Over the last four years, we have witnessed rapid growth in the high-throughput sequencing market in Latin America and are confident in its upward trajectory.
“We are thrilled to partner with Genos Médica and TCL Group to increase our presence further within the vibrant biotech ecosystem in LATAM and look forward to unlocking new opportunities for advancing local healthcare.”
Genos Médica genetic scientist Ocelotl Azotla Vilchis said: “Due to the genetic richness of people in Latin America and rising demands for genetic testing, we have been in search of advanced yet affordable technologies to develop a deeper understanding of our genetic variations and improve patient outcomes.
“Sharing the same belief and goal, we are pleased to collaborate with MGI and leverage their accessible and innovative sequencing solutions to address demands and challenges in LATAM’s growing genomics market.”
TCL Group has 28 years of experience providing diagnostics and biotech solutions in Chile.
The laboratory equipment supplier has partnered with MGI to import five units of the DNBSEQ-G400 benchtop sequencer and three of the ultra-high speed DNBSEQ-G99 sequencer.
In addition, TCL Group has acquired MGISP-960 and MGISP-100 automated sample preparation systems to address emerging market needs.
TCL Group scientific advisor Carlos Meyer-Regueiro said: “Having built a great reputation in Chile for our excellent service to clients with high-quality life sciences equipment and supplies, we have seen the genomics market evolve and demands for more comprehensive, flexible and efficient instruments increase.
“We are thrilled to work with MGI and are confident in the comprehensive capabilities of their technologies and instruments in satisfying a variety of genomics needs, with an outstanding technical support team.”
Earlier this year, MGI announced a partnership with Gencell in Colombia, integrating its advanced DNBSEQ technology with Gencell’s expertise and local market presence.
Furthermore, the Chinese medical device maker is planning to open a new Customer Experience Centre (CEC) in São Paulo, Brazil, by Q1 2024 to support the customers and partners in Latin America.
