Oxford Nanopore joins RISE rare disease genomics network

Oxford Nanopore Technologies has joined Genetic Alliance’s global RISE program to expand access to genomic testing for families with unresolved rare genetic conditions. The partnership is expected to bring nanopore sequencing into partner labs and clinics starting in late 2026 or early 2027.

Why it matters: - Rare diseases affect more than 300 million people worldwide and remain a major unmet need in global health. - Many families still cannot get genomic testing because of geography, cost or limited access to specialized care. - RISE has already provided genomic sequencing for nearly 4,000 people across 19 countries, and Oxford Nanopore’s entry could widen that reach.

What happened: - Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc joined RISE, Genetic Alliance’s global rare disease genomics program. - The partnership was formally signed in Singapore on Monday, 28 September, after Oxford Nanopore’s Health Summit. - The summit focused on moving genomic advances from research into routine clinical care under the theme “Crossing the Chasm: From Genomic Insight to Clinical Impact”. - RISE partner laboratories and clinical sites are expected to begin incorporating Oxford Nanopore sequencing in late 2026 or early 2027.

The details: - Oxford Nanopore will make its sequencing technology available through RISE partner laboratories and clinical sites. - Laboratory and clinical partners will identify patients most likely to benefit from nanopore sequencing. - The goal is to expand access to genomic testing and help more families find answers that can inform care. - Experience from use across the RISE network may help shape how nanopore sequencing is used in real-world clinical settings. - Oxford Nanopore’s technology is used in more than 100 countries to analyze DNA and RNA in research applications. - Oxford Nanopore products are not intended for diagnostic use unless specifically labeled for that purpose. - Genetic Alliance is a nonprofit health advocacy organization founded in 1986. - RISE stands for Rare Insights, Solutions, Empowerment. - RISE provides no-cost clinical genomic testing for people with suspected genetic conditions who cannot access testing because of geography or resources. - RISE also supports families after results are returned and gives participants control over their genomic data.

Between the lines: - The partnership is both a access play and an evidence-building effort. - Oxford Nanopore gains a path into a global clinical network, while RISE gains another technology option for hard-to-diagnose families. - The collaboration reflects a broader push to move genomic testing out of research settings and into everyday care. - Francis Van Parys, chief executive officer of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, said the company wants to widen access to testing while building evidence for nanopore sequencing in clinical practice. - Sharon Terry, president and chief executive officer of Genetic Alliance, said the partnership strengthens a shared effort to support families still searching for answers. - Ryan J. Taft, chief scientific officer of Genetic Alliance, said RISE is on track to improve the lives of tens of thousands of children.

What's next: - RISE partners are expected to start using Oxford Nanopore sequencing in late 2026 or early 2027. - Eligible patients will gain access to the technology through the network as partner labs and clinics begin implementation. - Results from the program may help inform broader clinical adoption of nanopore sequencing.

The bottom line: - Oxford Nanopore’s deal with RISE could help more families with rare disease get a diagnosis, while also building real-world evidence for nanopore sequencing in clinical care.