Since our last update 45 days ago, we sequenced more than 1000 whole genomes in our new lab in Europe. We are now sequencing more than 300 whole genomes per week.

This means that 300 people will receive their long-awaited, full results every week. 

We have not completed our backlog yet, but we are getting closer every day.

We will now post more regular updates.

Also, we learned from our mistakes and we made investments to ensure that no one will ever have to experience delays in the future. We will continue to ensure that more and more people will get access to advanced genomics at accessible prices.

Thanks and kindest regards,

Andrea Riposati
CEO
Dante Labs

LONDON -- Dante Labs announced today the official launch of its premium 2-week turnaround time for its whole genome sequencing tests. On average, genetics labs in Europe, Asia and the United States offer turnaround times between six to ten weeks, and just for the raw data. Dante Labs offers reports and raw data within two weeks from receiving the sample back.

The new service is possible thanks to the new Illumina-backed, high-throughput, automated sequencing centre that Dante Labs built in Italy, fully dedicated to the classical Whole Genome and the WholeGenomeZ™ sequencing tests.

“It is a huge difference to have our own sequencing centre.” Dante Labs CEO Andrea Riposati says. “We thought we could offer best in class service by externalizing the sequencing to third party labs. Through our initial model, thousands of people received their full whole genome results at affordable prices, receiving a full picture of their DNA for the first time in their life, often after years of guessing and after life-long undiagnosed odysseys. However, in the last twelve months about 20% of our users experienced delays – in some cases significant ones – because of delays from third party labs. Now, we can go from being criticized as ‘too slow’ to providing first-class sequencing speed matched with the first-class quality of our sequencing lab. If someone needs an urgent whole genome sequencing, we are the go-to-company.”

In order to ensure everyone received results on time and is also fully aware of the status of its samples, Dante Labs made significant investments in the last four months:

• Dante Labs built its own high-throughput sequencing center in L’Aquila, Italy, a 900-square meter GDPR-compliant, certified facility;
• Dante Labs fully internalized its non-US logistics in Italy and selected a new, best-in-class fulfilment partner in North America;
• Dante Labs developed a clearer messaging system to alert individuals about the status of their samples, including visual widgets and smart automated emails, personalized for family members who registered multiple kits and ordered multiple reports;

The price of the Premium Whole Genome is €899 (or $949) for the fast turnaround time vs. €599 (or $649) for the standard turnaround time. The price for the Super Premium WholeGenomeZ is €1399 (or $1499) for the fast turnaround time, and €899 (or $999) for the standard turnaround time.

These prices are still way below what individuals are forced to pay by offline labs across Europe, North America, South America, Oceania and Asia.

About Dante Labs

Dante Labs is global genetic testing and data analysis company specialized in whole genome sequencing and interpretation. To learn more or to purchase a Dante Labs whole genome sequencing test, visit www.dantelabs.com and follow @DanteLabs, or visit our YouTube Channel.

Dante Labs today announced that it has begun installing Illumina next generation sequencing (NGS) technology at its new European headquarters in Italy to make whole genome sequencing (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WES) available and accessible to individuals around the world through its global direct-to-consumer genomics platform. Sequencing will be carried out using Illumina’s most powerful sequencer, the NovaSeq™ 6000 System, providing high throughput genomic testing.

Andrea Riposati, Chief Executive Officer of Dante Labs, said: “We are delighted to work with Illumina’s leading platform technology to help more people around the world make informed decisions about their lifestyle and health based on the knowledge of their genome. We currently offer the only test that analyses 100% of people’s DNA. Through the stories of our users, we witness the transformative power of genomics every day, for individuals as well as for society as a whole. This is only the beginning.”

Paula Dowdy, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Illumina, said: “We are pleased that Dante Labs has selected Illumina technology to provide WGS at a premium depth of coverage and rapid turnaround time. We share their vision of positively influencing personal healthcare by unlocking the power of the genome.”

Dante Labs’ WGS-based test kits are purchased online and the DNA sample is provided by spitting saliva into a small tube that is mailed back to the company. Proprietary bioinformatics analysis interprets the meaning of specific genetic variations and reports are delivered in an easy-to-understand, user-friendly format. Customers can gain knowledge of their predisposition to developing diseases such as hereditary cancers, heart failure, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, autism and other common conditions. Testing can also inform people about their ability to metabolise certain medicines and can support the journey of individuals with rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases. More broadly, Dante Lab’s genomic analysis can help people make decisions about their diet, wellness and lifestyle.

Dante Labs selected Illumina sequencers for its growth based on Illumina’s role as a pioneer in advancing genomic technologies and applications combined with a reputation for accuracy, consistency and unsurpassed local technical support.