Watchmaker Genomics launches new NGS technologies to improve workflow scalability and accuracy
New technologies advance scalable library normalization for high-throughput genomics labs and improved amplification accuracy for oncology-focused sequencing workflows where data quality is critical
6 Jul 2026Product news
The new EquiPlex Normalization Kit
Watchmaker Genomics has launched two new technologies that address critical bottlenecks in sequencing workflow scalability and amplification accuracy. The EquiPlex™ Normalization Kit and Equinox Prime® Library Amplification Master Mix are designed for high-throughput genomics and oncology-focused sequencing workflows where data quality, operational efficiency, and scalability are essential.
New NGS workflow solutions for scalable normalization and accurate amplification
The new EquiPlex Normalization Kit simplifies NGS library normalization using a novel Cas9-based approach, while Equinox Prime Library Amplification Master Mix is engineered to improve indel accuracy in challenging, repetitive genomic regions. Both solutions are built on Watchmaker Genomics’ expertise in protein engineering and integrated workflow design, and are intended to help genomics laboratories reduce sequencing variability, improve data quality, and streamline complex workflows.
EquiPlex Normalization Kit streamlines library pooling at scale
EquiPlex introduces a novel approach to NGS library normalization by repurposing CRISPR-Cas9 technology as a stoichiometric molecular binding tool rather than a cutting enzyme. The technology captures a fixed number of molecules from each library, regardless of the starting concentration, enabling rapid, automated normalization across a broad range of sequencing applications and sample types.
By eliminating the need for library concentration quality control (QC), dilution calculations, and variable-volume pipetting steps, EquiPlex reduces common sources of pooling variability and sequencing imbalance. The workflow is compatible with existing RNA-seq, DNA-seq, and methylation sequencing protocols, allowing laboratories to improve pooling consistency without redesigning established library preparation processes.
Watchmaker Genomics is also adapting this CRISPR-enabled normalization strategy as a core component of a novel PCR-free whole genome sequencing (WGS) solution. This integrated approach is being designed to streamline fragmentation, normalization, and library construction for laboratories that require robust, reproducible, high-quality WGS data at scale.
Equinox Prime Library Amplification Master Mix enhances accuracy in challenging genomic regions
Equinox Prime Library Amplification Master Mix is a next-generation amplification solution developed to reduce polymerase slippage in homopolymer and repetitive genomic regions that are prone to indel artifacts. By improving amplification accuracy in these challenging regions, Equinox Prime supports more reliable variant calling in applications where indel precision is critical.
The technology is particularly suited to somatic oncology workflows, including microsatellite instability (MSI) profiling, and also delivers broad performance benefits across whole genome sequencing (WGS), whole exome sequencing (WES), and other targeted and comprehensive sequencing applications.
Beyond improved indel accuracy, Equinox Prime provides low error rates, high library yields, and uniform GC coverage to support demanding sequencing workflows where amplification performance directly impacts downstream sequencing quality.
“Researchers have historically had to make trade-offs in library amplification performance, balancing yield and coverage uniformity against sequencing accuracy depending on the application,” said Brian Kudlow, CSO of Watchmaker Genomics. “Equinox Prime was engineered to eliminate those compromises by delivering improved indel accuracy in repetitive regions alongside low error rates, high yields, and even GC coverage in a single solution.”
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Frequently asked questions
How does the EquiPlex Normalization Kit improve NGS library normalization for high-throughput genomics and oncology workflows?
The EquiPlex Normalization Kit repurposes CRISPR-Cas9 as a stoichiometric molecular binding tool to capture a fixed number of molecules from each library, independent of starting concentration. This Cas9-based normalization removes library concentration QC, dilution calculations, and variable-volume pipetting, reducing pooling variability and sequencing imbalance in RNA-seq, DNA-seq, methylation sequencing, and other high-throughput genomics and oncology workflows.
What advantages does Equinox Prime Library Amplification Master Mix offer for indel accuracy in somatic oncology sequencing?
Equinox Prime Library Amplification Master Mix is engineered to reduce polymerase slippage in homopolymer and repetitive genomic regions that typically generate indel artifacts. By improving amplification accuracy in these challenging regions, it supports more reliable variant calling in somatic oncology workflows such as microsatellite instability (MSI) profiling, while also providing low error rates, high library yields, and uniform GC coverage across whole genome sequencing (WGS), whole exome sequencing (WES), and targeted sequencing.
How do Watchmaker Genomics’ new NGS solutions enhance scalability and data quality in WGS?
Watchmaker Genomics’ EquiPlex Normalization Kit and Equinox Prime Library Amplification Master Mix address key NGS bottlenecks in scalable WGS workflows. EquiPlex enables rapid, automated normalization and consistent library pooling, while Equinox Prime delivers accurate amplification with low error rates and uniform GC coverage. Together, these technologies help genomics laboratories reduce sequencing variability, streamline complex workflows, and generate robust, high-quality WGS data at scale.