Under the collaboration, Illumina’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology will be used to create an integrated NGS system to provide cost-effective and ready-to-use in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays for testing molecular oncology and hereditary cancer.

The system will integrate Illumina’s MiniSeq System and associated sequencing consumables with KingMed’s testing components such as library preparation kits and software for analysis.

Illumina Greater China vice-president and general manager Ruilin Zhao said: “This agreement is a clear demonstration of our commitment to working with broader clinical testing service providers in China who want to develop and commercialise IVDs based on NGS.

"As we continue to expand our clinical partner networks, we are focused on providing the best healthcare solutions to patients throughout China.”

Intended to deliver precision medicine to patients, the system will be available through KingMed’s clinical network, after review and approval by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).

KingMed Diagnostics chairman and CEO Yaoming Liang said: “Our mission is to bring state-of-the-art technology to Chinese patients by enhancing their standard of care and improving their outcomes.

“Illumina is the ideal collaborator because they have a proven track record of working with multiple domestic companies in China, in addition to being the first company with a US FDA-cleared, next-generation sequencing instrument.”