Methods of Improving Unique Molecular Index Ligation Efficiency
Summary
Illumina, Inc. has filed a patent application (US20260098256A1) for methods and adapter pools that improve unique molecular index (UMI) ligation efficiency in nucleic acid sequencing applications. The invention enables more accurate quantification of polynucleotide fragments by providing UMIs that are uniquely associable with individual fragments. The application was published April 9, 2026, with a filing date of December 12, 2025.
Biotechnology companies developing next-generation sequencing technologies may need to review this application to assess potential impacts on their IP strategies or freedom-to-operate analysis. Researchers and diagnostic developers using UMI-based sequencing methods should monitor this and related patent activity for potential licensing implications.
What changed
Illumina, Inc. filed patent application US20260098256A1 covering methods for determining sequences of interest using improved unique molecular indexes (UMIs) uniquely associable with individual polynucleotide fragments. The application also discloses pools of adapters comprising UMIs designed to enhance ligation efficiency in sequencing workflows.
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies involved in nucleic acid sequencing, diagnostics, or genomic analysis should review this patent application for potential IP implications. While patent applications do not immediately restrict industry activity, they signal Illumina's strategic direction in UMI technology and may inform licensing negotiations or design-around decisions once the application proceeds toward grant.
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Apr 13, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Methods of Improving Unique Molecular Index Ligation Efficiency
Application US20260098256A1 Kind: A1 Apr 09, 2026
Assignee
Illumina, Inc.
Inventors
Louise Fraser, Natalie Morrell, Ana Rita Borba, Niall Anthony Gormley, Ming-Hsiang Lee, Sorena Rahmanian, Jennifer Lococo, Danny Chou
Abstract
The disclosed embodiments concern methods for determining sequences of interest using improved unique molecular indexes (UMIs) that are uniquely associable with individual polynucleotide fragments. Pools of adapters comprising UMIs are also provided.
CPC Classifications
C12N 15/1065
Filing Date
2025-12-12
Application No.
19417801
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