BGI Adopts Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing from Pacific Biosciences

MENLO PARK, Calif., May 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc., (Nasdaq: PACB) provider of the PacBio® RS II Sequencing System, today announced that BGI, the world's largest genomics organization, has purchased its first PacBio RS II instrument and plans to purchase additional units in order to integrate Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) Sequencing into its global service business.

"The de novo genome services offered by BGI will be supported by SMRT sequencing   technology to take advantage of its long reads and improved accuracy of assembly," said Dr. Wang Jun, CEO of BGI. "The PacBio platform is ideal for complex genomes, such as those that are highly repetitive or hybrid. With the PacBio RS II we expect to meet our goal of delivering only complete genomes to our customers, and providing the best possible reference genomes for plants, animals and humans."

The PacBio RS II delivers the industry's longest read lengths combined with unbiased coverage and high accuracy. These characteristics enable customers to access the complete spectrum of sequence variant types, from single nucleotide polymorphisms to complex structural variation, and from genomic regions that were previously inaccessible. In addition, SMRT Sequencing is the only technology that provides direct detection of base modifications and direct variant phasing information across full-length genes and chromosome haplotype blocks.  

Michael Hunkapiller, President and CEO of Pacific Biosciences, commented, "It's a great validation to us that the world's leading and largest sequencing operation has adopted PacBio technology. BGI is also a leader in sequencing data analysis, so we are delighted that more SMRT Sequencing data will be in their hands to work with and hopefully develop additional tools to help realize the full value of the data."

About Pacific Biosciences 

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (Nasdaq: PACB) offers the PacBio® RS II Sequencing System to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. Based on its novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) technology, Pacific Biosciences' products enable: de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms in important gene families, and find novel genes; targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; and DNA base modification identification to help characterize epigenetic regulation and DNA damage. Pacific Biosciences' technology provides the industry's highest consensus accuracy over the longest read lengths in combination with the ability to detect real-time kinetic information. The PacBio RS II System, including consumables and software, provides a simple, fast, end-to-end workflow for SMRT Sequencing. More information is available at www.pacb.com.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to purchase commitments, future uses and performance of the Company's products and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond Pacific Biosciences' control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made in this press release. Factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in Pacific Biosciences' most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K, and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption "Risk Factors." Pacific Biosciences undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

CONTACT: For Pacific Biosciences:

         Media:
         Nicole Litchfield
         415.793.6468
         [email protected]

         Investors:
         Trevin Rard
         650.521.8450
         [email protected]

         For BGI:

         Bicheng Yang Ph.D.
         +86-755-25031760
         [email protected]

Source: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.

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