Illumina has unveiled the world's most extensive genetic perturbation dataset that encompasses whole-genome coverage—the 'Billion Cell Atlas'. This milestone represents the inaugural accomplishment in Illumina's three-year roadmap for the 'Five Billion Cell Atlas', which is dedicated to constructing the most all-encompassing biological blueprint of human diseases.

The atlas was crafted through a collaborative effort between Illumina and a consortium comprising AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., Inc. (USA), Eli Lilly and Company, among other entities. The focus was placed on specific cell lines to streamline drug target validation, enhance AI model training, and deepen disease mechanism research. Notably, Merck & Co., Inc. (USA) will harness the atlas to propel precision medicine R&D to new heights.

The atlas meticulously records the reactions of one billion cells to genetic alterations, providing invaluable insights into the underlying mechanisms of drug action and disease progression. The 'Billion Cell Atlas' stands as the pioneering data product from Illumina's newly established business unit, BioInsight. Illumina remains committed to scaling up the cell atlas in tandem with its partners, with the ultimate ambition of forging a 'Five Billion Single-Cell Atlas'.