Circulomics

Circulomics carved a distinct niche in the biotechnology landscape by focusing on enhancing the critical front-end of genomic sequencing: sample preparation. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Kelvin Liu as a spinout from Johns Hopkins University, the company addressed a fundamental challenge in genomics. Dr. Liu's journey began with an interest in entrepreneurship after his undergraduate studies, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins, where his research on single-molecule analysis of DNA laid the company's scientific foundation. Bootstrapped with over $11 million in non-dilutive funding from sources like the NIH and Maryland's TEDCO, Circulomics bypassed traditional venture capital, growing through grant funding and revenue.

The firm's core business revolves around developing and selling specialized kits for nucleic acid sample preparation, specifically for extracting high molecular weight (HMW) DNA. Its main clientele includes academic labs, government research institutes, and other biotechnology companies engaged in long-read sequencing. Circulomics' product lineup is headlined by the Nanobind DNA Extraction Kits, which use proprietary magnetic disks to protect long strands of DNA from breaking during extraction. This process is crucial because using intact, HMW DNA (ranging from 50 to over 300 kilobases) results in longer, more accurate reads in sequencing platforms, simplifying genome assembly. The company also offers Short Read Eliminator Kits, which further refine samples by removing smaller DNA fragments. This technology is versatile, applicable to a wide array of sample types including cells, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animal tissues.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Pacific Biosciences (PacBio), a leading provider of long-read sequencing platforms, in August 2021. The acquisition was a natural fit, as Circulomics' technology was already widely used and proven within the PacBio ecosystem to improve workflow efficiency. The integration aimed to create a more seamless, end-to-end automated workflow for PacBio's customers, from sample prep to final sequence. Following the acquisition, Dr. Liu joined PacBio as the VP of Technology Development, continuing to advance the technology before retiring in March 2024. Circulomics' technology has been instrumental in major genomics projects, including the Human Pangenome Project and the Darwin Tree of Life.

Keywords: high molecular weight DNA extraction, long-read sequencing, nucleic acid sample preparation, genomics, Nanobind, sample prep kits, PacBio, Kelvin Liu, Johns Hopkins spinout, DNA sequencing workflow, biotechnology, life sciences, genomic research, single molecule analysis, Short Read Eliminator, genome profiling, animal genomics, plant genomics, microbiology, automated workflow