Oxford Nanopore Joins RISE to Expand Genomic Testing for Rare Diseases

OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM, September 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc has joined forces with the global rare disease network RISE to expand access to genomic testing for families with unresolved genetic conditions. The partnership was formalized on Monday, 28 September, in Singapore, following Oxford Nanopore’s Health Summit, which brought together healthcare, genomics, and patient advocacy leaders to explore how genomic advances can be translated into routine clinical care.

The collaboration aims to address the significant unmet need in global health, where rare diseases affect more than 300 million people worldwide. Many families face limited access to genomic testing due to geographic or resource constraints, while others remain without answers after exhausting existing testing options.

RISE, Genetic Alliance’s global rare disease genomics programme, has already provided genomic sequencing for nearly 4,000 people affected by rare diseases through its network of laboratories and clinical sites in 19 countries. The partnership with Oxford Nanopore will see the company’s sequencing technology made available through RISE’s network, expanding access for families with unresolved genetic conditions.

Through this collaboration, laboratory and clinical partners will work together to identify patients who are likely to benefit from nanopore sequencing. The goal is to expand access to genomic testing and help more families find answers that can inform their care. Experience gained through the use of nanopore sequencing across the network may also inform how the technology is incorporated into real-world clinical environments.

Experience gained through the use of nanopore sequencing across the network may also inform how the technology is incorporated into real-world clinical environments. RISE partners are expected to begin incorporating Oxford Nanopore sequencing starting in late 2026 or early 2027, giving eligible patients access to the technology through the network.

The technology developed by Oxford Nanopore is used in more than 100 countries to understand the biology of humans, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, environments, and diseases. While not intended for diagnostic purposes unless specifically labelled for such use, the company’s sequencing technology is poised to play a significant role in expanding access to genomic testing for rare diseases.