SPT Labtech and Alithea Genomics have teamed up to automate single‑cell RNA sequencing by integrating Alithea’s MERCURIUS FLASH‑seq chemistry with SPT’s firefly liquid‑handling system. The combined platform is designed to reduce variability in library preparation, increase throughput and cut costs for NGS and PCR workflows. Both companies will provide global application support, making the solution accessible for translational and clinical research projects.
SPT Labtech and Alithea Genomics Automate Single‑Cell RNA Workflows with MERCURIUS FLASH‑seq and firefly
SPT Labtech and Alithea Genomics have teamed up to automate single‑cell RNA sequencing by integrating Alithea’s MERCURIUS FLASH‑seq chemistry with SPT’s firefly liquid‑handling system. The combined platform is designed to reduce variability in library preparation, increase throughput and cut costs for NGS and PCR workflows. Both companies will provide global application support, making the solution accessible for translational and clinical research projects.
16:23, 06.11.2025Technology
SPT Labtech and Alithea Genomics partner to streamline single‑cell transcriptomics
SPT Labtech and Swiss genomics company Alithea Genomics have announced a partnership to deliver an automated, end‑to‑end single‑cell transcriptomics workflow. The collaboration pairs Alithea’s ultra‑sensitive MERCURIUS FLASH‑seq chemistry with SPT Labtech’s compact firefly liquid‑handling platform to improve reproducibility, throughput and accessibility for single‑cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq).
Integrated solution and global support: The combined system integrates MERCURIUS FLASH‑seq and MERCURIUS Total DRUG‑seq with firefly’s low‑volume dispensing and pipetting capabilities. Both companies will provide application support to make the platform available to laboratories worldwide.
Why it matters: MERCURIUS FLASH‑seq is optimized to detect gene expression from very small samples, including individual cells. Manual library preparation can introduce variability and limit scalability; automating key steps reduces those bottlenecks, increases consistency, and accelerates project timelines while lowering costs.
Riccardo Dainese, co‑founder and CEO of Alithea Genomics: "By combining MERCURIUS FLASH‑seq and MERCURIUS Total DRUG‑seq with SPT Labtech’s firefly, we’re removing key bottlenecks in library preparation workflows. This partnership simplifies complex processes, drives down costs, and empowers researchers to focus on discovery."
firefly platform capabilities: firefly consolidates dispensing, pipetting, incubating and shaking into a single compact instrument tailored for genomic workflows. It features a 384‑channel pipetting module and configurable dispensing heads (three or six), delivering the performance required for NGS library preparation and PCR setup.
Morten Frost, Chief Commercial Officer at SPT Labtech: "This collaboration is a step toward broader automation of complex RNA workflows and supports the integration of transcriptomics in translational and clinical research. Running this workflow on firefly lets laboratories achieve new levels of efficiency, reproducibility and throughput."
Applications and impact: The automated workflow targets research areas that benefit from single‑cell resolution — including immunology, oncology and drug development — and supports both discovery‑scale and larger, high‑throughput experimental designs. Alithea, founded in 2020, also offers BRB‑seq technologies that help researchers identify biomarkers and speed drug discovery while reducing cost and time.
Original reporting by Medical Device Network (a GlobalData brand). This summary is for informational purposes; readers should consult company materials or specialists before making technical or purchasing decisions.