Genomics services for pharma applications
Pharma FAQs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions.
Q: Who will be my person of contact?
Your person of contact is Natalie Smith, Senior Pharma & Translational Genomics Manager. Natalie has an extensive pharmacogenomics expertise and over 18 years of experience in managing technical projects with large international scientific companies specialising in pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical drug release and genomics technologies.
Q: What genomics solutions and capacities are available?
We provide a broad range of genomics solutions to support your research and project:
- Next-generation sequencing
- Microarrays
- qPCR / dPCR
- Sanger sequencing
- Oligo synthesis
- Gene synthesis
- DNA and RNA extractions
Our highly flexible and large NGS and Sanger sequencing capacities allow us to process any kind of sample type (GLP and non-GLP compliant) and sample sizes ranging from one to thousands of samples. NGS is performed on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
For our microarray-based services, we built a dedicated facility in Galten, Denmark, where we utilise Illumina and Thermo Fisher microarray platforms. Our large microarray capacities enable us to support population genetics studies with genotyping data for thousands of samples for instance.
Our high-throughput qPCR and dPCR services are performed in 96 or 384 formats on Roche LightCycler and Fluidigm BioMark HD and EP1 systems.
Our oligo and gene synthesis capacities can cover projects of any size, from small to large scale. Our ISO 13485 certified oligo synthesis can be customised as required by customers. We produce oligos in tubes and plates at different concentrations, formats (dry or in solution), pooling, TATs, and even print stickers on plates among others.
The gene synthesis at Eurofins Genomics is done on state-of-the-art synthesiser and propriety machines. Our lean-optimised processes guarantee optimal gene synthesis including a wide range of modifications according to the customer requirements. Our gene synthesis also includes codon usage adaptation for optimal expression in the organism of interest.
Our extensive DNA and RNA extraction capabilities allow for the processing of virtually all starting materials and sample sizes; the most common sample types are animal tissue, cells and cultured cells, blood, bacterial cell pellets, FFPE and plant tissue. We apply automated extraction pipelines using column- or bead-based methods; manual DNA and RNA extraction is available upon request. Our DNA and RNA extraction services are ISO17025 certified.
Q: How long will it take to receive my results?
The turnaround time (TAT), which presents the time from sample receipt in our lab to the delivery of sequencing result, depends on the genomics solution and sample number. Our mission is to provide the fastest TAT possible and set new industry standards for TATs while further improving quality. This is accomplished by:
- the utilisation of the most reliable, proven and market-leading technologies and platforms,
- high sequencing and production capacities,
- optimisation and lean management of our highly automated lab processes,
- years of experience and long-standing in-depth expertise.
| Genomics solutions | TAT (starting from) |
|---|---|
| Exome sequencing | 9 business days |
| Microarrays | 5 business days |
| qPCR / dPCR | 1 business day |
| Sanger sequencing | Overnight |
| Oligo synthesis | 1 business day |
| Gene synthesis | 4 business days |
| DNA / RNA extractions | 5 business days |
Q: What solutions does Eurofins Genomics offer for genotyping and gene expression analysis?
We offer microarrays, NGS, Sanger sequencing and qPCR for genotyping and gene expression analyses.
Microarrays are often utilised for gene expression analyse and genotyping of organisms. Our flexible microarray solutions allow for the coverage of the entire transcriptome or only specific genes of interest.
Gene expression analyses and genotyping is also done with NGS. Here, genome, exome and transcriptome sequencing are used to gain unbiased data.
Sanger sequencing is also utilised for genotyping and the detection of specific mutations. However, it is rather used in the later stages of the biomarker validation process for instance.
Similarly, qPCR assays are used for the targeted analysis of the expression of specific genes and gene mutation in an organism. dPCR with mutation-specific probes can also be used for genotyping and gene expression analysis. Compared to qPCR, dPCR enables absolute quantification instead of relative quantification.
The choice of analysis technique highly depends on the specific requirements of your research and project. All techniques have advantages and disadvantages. Contact our genomics expert for a free consultation about assay design and validation.
Q: Can I get demo data analysis reports for the Eurofins Genomics NGS solutions?
You can view and download demo data analysis reports for:
- Variant Analysis (for whole genome sequencing, exome sequencing, resequencing & virus sequencing)
- Microbiome analysis
- Metagenome analysis
- RNA sequencing
Q: What are the accepted sample types?
NGS
Suitable sample types for resequencing:
- Purified and RNA-free genomic DNA (gDNA)
- Purified DNA from FFPE
Suitable sample types for exome sequencing:
- Purified and RNA-free gDNA
- Purified DNA from FFPE
Suitable sample types for RNA sequencing:
- Isolated total RNA from fresh tissue
- Isolated total RNA from FFPE samples
Suitable sample types for metagenome analysis:
- Clinical research samples of human origin (e.g. swaps, faeces, lavage)
- Upon request: food samples, environmental samples
Suitable sample types for microbiome analysis:
- Purified and RNA-free DNA
- PCR amplicons
Microarrays
Suitable sample types:
- Cell lysates
- Purified and RNA-free DNA
qPCR / dPCR
Suitable sample types:
- Complementary DNA (cDNA) for qPCR
- Purified RNA or DNA for dPCR
Sanger sequencing
All types of sample material with biosafety level S1 and S2 (e.g. genomic DNA, Plasmid DNA, PCR amplicons, tissue, cell cultures, viral samples)
DNA and RNA extraction
We also provide DNA and RNA extraction from FFPE and tissue samples, whole blood, plasma and serum, cell cultures. For detailed information about our extraction capabilities, contact our genomics expert.
Q: Does Eurofins Genomics provide packaging and shipping labels for sample shipment?
We provide eco-friendly packaging for sample shipment. The packaging is made of 100% recycled paper and certified with “Blue Angel”.
Use our free paper bags or Böxles (sample boxes) for the safe shipment of your samples and primers in tubes and/or plates for Sanger sequencing.
When sending your samples to the Eurofins Genomics lab in Ebersberg, Germany, you could use our padded C5 sized envelopes for safe shipment. The envelopes come with pre-printed delivery address labels.
Alternatively, use conventional shipping kits from UPS and DHL, and envelopes.
We also provide free address labels for the sample shipment in your own sample bags to our labs in Ebersberg and Cologne, Germany.
Use the free sample pick-up via our DropBoxes. Just drop you sequencing samples (and primers) in the DropBox at your facility, and they will be collected free of charge. We have an extensive network with hundreds of DropBoxes across Europe. Find the closest DropBox (including pick-up time) in your Eurofins Genomics account. If there is no DropBox close you, send us a request to install a DropBox.
Your dedicated pharmacogenomics Expert
Frédéric Antigny, MSc., MBA
Director Pharma & Translational Genomics Markets, Europe