Paralegal

New England biolabs(r) launches the nebnext(r) Companion Module for Oxford Nanopore technologies(r) Direct RNA Sequencing. New England Biolabs (NEB(R) has launched the NEBNext Companion Module for Oxford Nanopore Technologies Direct RNA Sequencing. The companion module contains the NEB reagents recommended by Oxford Nanopore for execution of the Direct RNA Sequencing workflow (RNA004 sequencing kit), providing a simple and convenient format for scientists performing a wide range of applications where direct sequencing of native RNA is critical. The companion module contains the recommended components in volumes compatible with the protocol and are lot-qualified together through preparation and sequencing. Featured is the recommended use of Induro(R) Reverse Transcriptase, an intron-encoded reverse transcriptase that is used for cDNA synthesis, primarily to reduce RNA secondary structure and improve passage of the RNA molecule through the pore, enhancing sequence yield and quality. "We are excited for this latest product offering from New England Biolabs to support customer implementation of direct RNA workflows," said Dr. Thomas Bray, VP Corporate Business Development, Oxford Nanopore Technologies. "The move to a purpose-built and quality-controlled module will enhance Oxford Nanopore customers' capability to implement a simple, convenient solution for their applications." Direct RNA sequencing presents new opportunities versus traditional approaches that rely on sequencing the corresponding cDNA, including applications for identifying RNA modifications, tRNA sequencing, and characterization of mRNA for therapeutic purposes. Deyra Rodríguez, Ph.D., MBA, and Product Marketing Manager for NEB stated "We're extremely excited to see where direct RNA sequencing will be used across academic and applied markets, as it represents a new modality for sequencing nucleic acids. We are excited to be able to offer this new module for Oxford Nanopore customers, and to be supporting this workflow." Stay connected. RNA-Seq products & services.

New England Biolabs has launched the NEBNext Companion Module for Oxford Nanopore Technologies Direct RNA Sequencing. The module contains reagents recommended by Oxford Nanopore for executing the Direct RNA Sequencing workflow using the RNA004 sequencing kit. The companion module features Induro Reverse Transcriptase, an enzyme used for cDNA synthesis that reduces RNA secondary structure and improves passage of RNA molecules through the pore, enhancing sequence yield and quality. Components are provided in volumes compatible with the protocol and are lot-qualified together. Direct RNA sequencing offers advantages over traditional cDNA-based approaches, enabling applications such as identifying RNA modifications, tRNA sequencing, and characterising mRNA for therapeutic purposes. The module aims to provide researchers with a simple, convenient solution for direct RNA workflows.

Collaboration between New England Biolabs and Touchlight launches Synthesis Kit. Published: 05 May 2026 New England Biolabs (NEB), in partnership with Touchlight, has introduced the EnClose Cell-free dbDNA Synthesis Kit, which facilitates benchtop enzymatic synthesis of Touchlight's proprietary doggybone DNA (dbDNA). This linear, covalently closed, double-stranded DNA provides researchers with a cell-free alternative to traditional plasmid DNA for the development of nucleic acid therapeutics. NEB highlights that the kit addresses a significant bottleneck in advanced therapy development by eliminating the necessity for large-scale fermentation, cell banking, and the lengthy manufacturing timelines typically associated with plasmid DNA. Dr. Ashley Luck, Associate Director of Applications and Development at NEB, noted that this technology enables rapid screening and production of high-purity DNA templates directly at the benchtop, potentially reducing development timelines for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies by several months. NEB emphasizes that the kit offers an optimized enzymatic workflow capable of producing high yields of closed-ended DNA within a single day, while also avoiding bacterial sequences and antibiotic resistance genes, thereby enhancing safety and supporting regulatory compliance. According to Precedence Research, the Viral or Non-Viral Vectors Market was valued at USD 9.40 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 11.07 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 48.37 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 17.80% from 2026 to 2035, driven by the increasing prevalence of genetic disorders. The technology is linearly scalable from research to production, making it suitable for viral vector manufacturing, including adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral (LV) vectors, as well as non-viral gene therapy, mRNA therapeutics, and gene editing. The enzymatic process can also synthesize challenging sequences such as long poly(A) tails and viral inverted terminal repeats. Touchlight chief business officer Dr Tommy Duncan said the collaboration with NEB expands researchers' access to dbDNA technology. By combining Touchlight's proprietary platform with NEB's enzymology expertise, the partners have developed an optimized workflow that supports rapid construct screening, high-throughput prototyping, and progression to larger-scale manufacturing. A recent report by Precedence Research highlights that the Viral or Non-Viral Vectors Market is benefiting from the rising adoption of healthcare technological advancements.