Oxford Nanopore Technolo... Share Discussion Threads

[bamboo2] 20/10/2023 09:29

TBF, This is a story share, with a massed army of shorts who refuse to believe that any UK listed company of this nature has any sort of future. They are not even bothered if they are wrong, because to them, it's a numbers game.

I reckon it's time to relax and count yourself lucky you have a share in the best sequencing business in the world.

[the big fella] 20/10/2023 08:05

A fairly lukewarm reception of yesterday's news. Share price trading almost 10% below the price they paid and still under pressure it seems.

[bamboo2] 19/10/2023 20:25

I have to say that the CMD was a marathon.
So much detail, almost too much to take in.
This co. is really going places. Wow!

It was a shame the market closed early due to a fault at the LS exchange.


The webcast is not yet uploaded, but these are the slides.

[cousinit] 19/10/2023 11:02

Appreciate ONT is a bit of a different animal, but had a similar situation with OXB where a French Institute announced a similar market investment. They completed it in a matter of a few weeks, although it was announced coincident with results that were akin to 'clearing the decks' which no doubt drove volume...

[eeza] 19/10/2023 10:20

They are to buy another 3.5% taking them to 7%, but can go to 9.9% before further agreement is required.

So shorters' bots will be set to close out, imo. However, they don't just close their shorts as that would drive the share price up, so their algorithms will be to keep selling, to hold the SP, while buying back slightly more each time.

[bamboo2] 19/10/2023 09:25

apple53, Biomerieux are a large french bio focussed on diagnostics.
T/o eu600m, Mcap eu1200m.

The new ONT device currently under development will fit in with their other testing equipment a treat.

Use the 'search this thread' box in the header to find out more about their partnership with ONT

I think you are correct about the floor.

edit, ignore the figures for t/o and mkt cap
They need double checking as Gordon Sanghera came up with something different during the CMD

[apple53] 19/10/2023 08:55

Doesn't the 'buying from time to time depending on price' act like a superior buyback program? ie normally such programs keep buying through a bounce then the shorts jump back on again when program runs out, whereas this one should provide a floor (c. 240?) and keep shorts on their toes (though shorters might think it safe to jump in again at, say, 260 for a range trade).

Any thoughts? I haven't done the sums on the average turnover to see how many days 3.5% would represent. I also haven't checked how deep the pockets of Biomerieux are.

I'm obviously happy though also miffed that I didn't have capacity to buy below 200.

[bamboo2] 19/10/2023 08:00

Capital Markets Day

19 October 2023

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc (LSE: ONT) (the "Company" or "Oxford Nanopore"), the company behind a new generation of nanopore-based molecular sensing technology, will host a Capital Markets Day event this afternoon, 19 October 2023.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Gordon Sanghera will be joined by a diverse range of senior leaders from across the Company to provide further detail on Oxford Nanopore's short-to-medium and medium-to-long term growth strategies and the pathway to adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of 2026.

Gordon Sanghera, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Since our IPO two years ago, we've delivered strong, above-market growth relative to our peers, and today we are excited to talk about our next phase and our long-term vision. Our blend of highly differentiated technology and unique commercial strategy has primed us to achieve our objectives in the Life Science Research Tools sector in the short-to-medium term. We are committed to ongoing delivery in this important sector.

Today also marks an important transition for Oxford Nanopore as we introduce our medium-to-long term strategy to meet unmet needs in the clinical and applied markets. We look forward to sharing our bold vision to serve healthcare and industrial markets of the future. "

The presentations will outline:

-- A sustainable high-growth financial strategy , balancing disciplined financial management alongside ambitious growth goals to reach adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of 2026.

-- Driving growth in the near-to-medium term, with substantial opportunity in the Life Science Research Tools (LSRT) market. Combining product innovation with a differentiated commercial strategy.

-- Clear steps forward into clinical and applied markets for the medium-to-long term with the right technology, regulatory and go-to-market strategies. Leadership will contextualise recent announcements that highlight its push into the clinical and applied markets (total addressable market of >$150bn) where nanopore sequencing can meet unmet needs:

o The Company will provide an update on products in Oxford Nanopore's portfolio to serve regulated markets.

-- Showcase its go-to-market strategy for these emerging target markets, in particular its partnership approach.

-- Review how its technology is placed to address unmet needs in clinical, diagnostic and applied markets.

o Today, Mayo Clinic and Oxford Nanopore unveiled a multi-year joint development collaboration to develop new clinical tests for diseases and improve patient care.

o The Company announced an investment from bioMérieux to strengthen the relationship between the two companies, further aligning with Oxford Nanopore's increasing focus on clinical markets through a separate partnership announced in April this year. This investment will support development for products in Oxford Nanopore's portfolio to serve IVD markets in conjunction with bioMérieux's commitment to advancing global public health.

-- Product innovation pipeline, showcasing how highly differentiated nanopore sequencing technology will continue driving new standards and expectations in DNA/RNA sequencing by providing richer information, faster and more accessibly and affordably.

-- An operational strategy to meet the demands of sustainable high growth. Focused on improving manufacturing operations and in-house processes to improve product quality and assurance and drive margin expansion. Additionally supported by a clear pathway to transform the global service function to deliver a world-class customer experience.

On 6 September 2023 the Company published its half-year results highlighting strong momentum to round out 2023. The Company reported that underlying Life Science Research Tools (LSRT) revenue was up 46% on a constant currency basis driven by high quality, recurring consumables revenue and new customer acquisition. LSRT gross margin was up 280 basis points driven by improvements to flow cell margins from optimised manufacturing techniques and efficiency.

Capital Markets Day details

The Capital Markets Day is for institutional investors and sell-side analysts. Presentations will start today at 13:00. Doors will open at noon for product demonstrations. Places are limited so if you would like to attend in-person please contact [e-mail].

There will also be a live webcast for attendees who wish to join the event virtually, available .

A copy of the presentation will be available on Oxford Nanopore's website after the event with the on-demand webcast available on Friday via the same link.

[bamboo2] 19/10/2023 07:58

Mayo Clinic and Oxford Nanopore announce collaboration

19 October 2023

Mayo Clinic and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (LSE: ONT) (the "Company" or "Oxford Nanopore") , the company delivering a new generation of nanopore-based molecular sensing technology, today unveiled a multi-year joint development collaboration to develop new clinical tests for diseases and improve patient care.

Mayo Clinic and Oxford Nanopore have identified several areas of development, spanning a wide breadth of applications from translational research in human genetics to detection of genetic predisposition to cancer.

"We are proud to work with Mayo Clinic to support the development of new tests that will assist clinical decision-making and improve patient lives. This collaboration shows that Oxford Nanopore's technology is ready to support development and validation of assays for clinical care, and it underscores our maturity and long-term vision to transform this space. We have long held the ambition to become a utility player in world-renowned, global clinical centers of excellence, and this is our first step toward achieving that vision," says Gordon Sanghera, CEO, Oxford Nanopore Technologies.

Nanopore sequencing is well positioned to serve Mayo Clinic's goals of improving testing in some of the hardest-to-characterise conditions. The ability to sequence any-length fragments of DNA - from short to long and ultra-long - and examine methylation in real time offers the potential to provide clinicians with a more complete picture of an evolving cancer genome quickly and accurately. Methylation is particularly important, as this typically requires bisulfite conversions and additional cost yet is key to unmasking crucial insights.

"Pairing Oxford Nanopore's innovative nanopore sequencing with Mayo Clinic's world-class clinical and diagnostic testing knowledge further helps advance patient care," says Bobbi Pritt, M.D., interim chair of Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. "We are excited to collaborate with Oxford Nanopore on this effort to develop new clinical tests that will provide the right answers for patients at the right time."

The collaboration activities will take place on Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

[bamboo2] 19/10/2023 07:56

BioMérieux makes strategic investment in Oxford Nanopore

19 October 2023

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION

Oxford, UK and Marcy-l'Étoile, France, 19 October 2023. Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc (LSE: ONT) ("Oxford Nanopore"), the company delivering a new generation of nanopore-based molecular sensing technology, and bioMérieux SA, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics ("IVD") today announce that bioMérieux is making an immediate GBP70M investment in Oxford Nanopore.

In addition, bioMérieux expects to make further market purchases of Oxford Nanopore's shares from time to time, up to a further 3.5% of Oxford Nanopore's shares, subject to availability and price.

The investment strengthens the relationship between the two companies, further aligning with Oxford Nanopore's increasing focus on clinical markets through a partnership announced in April this year. This investment will support development for products in Oxford Nanopore's portfolio to serve IVD markets in conjunction with bioMérieux's commitment to advancing global public health.

Through this partnership and this investment, the two companies intend to leverage Oxford Nanopore's ground-breaking nanopore-based IVD solution and bioMérieux's IVD expertise in R&D, Regulatory, Medical and Market Access. As part of the transaction, the two companies will establish an IVD Advisory Board to advance nanopore technology into routine clinical use.

Nanopore-based sequencing is a novel technology that enables analysis of long DNA or RNA fragments. It works by monitoring changes to an electrical current as nucleic acids are passed through a protein nanopore. The resulting signal is decoded to provide the specific DNA or RNA sequence. The unique real-time, scalable features and advances in single-nucleotide sequencing accuracy of this technology make it ideal for the rapid and cost-effective characterization of pathogens in clinical samples.

Together, the companies are driving to meet a significant unmet need in the clinical and diagnostic markets- an opportunity where nanopore sequencing is uniquely suited to deliver impact where information-rich, rapid, accessible, and affordable sequencing are critical.

Oxford Nanopore reconfirms its guidance to be adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of 2026.

Gordon Sanghera, Oxford Nanopore Technologies Chief Executive Officer, commented: "With bioMérieux's strategic investment and our shared commitment to innovation, we are poised to accelerate the development of nanopore-based IVD solutions. This investment will enable us to deliver rapid, accessible, and affordable clinical tools more quickly to address unmet needs and improve healthcare worldwide."

Pierre Boulud, bioMérieux CEO, commented: "This investment will reinforce our existing partnership with Oxford Nanopore and provide more resources for the development of innovative IVD solutions. Drawing on our six decades of expertise in the in vitro diagnostic space, we consider that the new generation of sequencing technology developed by Oxford Nanopore holds promise to answer future diagnostic needs and will further improve patient care, in particular against the ever-growing infectious diseases threat."

Transaction structure

-- bioMérieux has agreed to subscribe for 29,025,326 ordinary shares (which equates to 3.5% of Oxford Nanopore's voting rights as at 13 October 2023) in Oxford Nanopore at a subscription price of 238.08p per share (the "Subscription"), conditional only upon Admission (as defined below) occurring. This represents a total investment of nearly GBP70 million.

-- Applications will be made to the Financial Conduct Authority and the London Stock Exchange for the shares issued pursuant to the Subscription to be admitted to the standard listing segment of the Official List and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange ("Admission").

-- Admission is expected to occur on Monday 23 October 2023.
-- The Subscription price of 238.08p per share is equal to the 6-month volume weighted average price as at 13 October 2023.

As part of the Subscription, subject to certain customary exceptions, bioMérieux undertakes to:

-- For a period of 5 years, not acquire or agree to acquire any interests in Oxford Nanopore's shares which would result in it and its affiliates having an interest exceeding 9.9% of the issued share capital of Oxford Nanopore (provided that this restriction shall be suspended for so long as Oxford Nanopore is in an offer period (included in the Definitions of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Code")), and in the case of an offer period which is commenced by an announcement under Rule 2.4 of the Code, for a one month period after the cessation of such offer period);

-- not dispose of any shares in Oxford Nanopore for 12 months, subject to certain limited exceptions; and

-- comply with certain orderly marketing obligations for a period of four years after expiry of the 12-months lock-up period, subject to certain limited exceptions.

[eeza] 19/10/2023 07:34

And they intend to buy up to a further 3.5% in the market.

[jaf111] 19/10/2023 07:33

….with bioMerieux subscription at 238p per share……

[eeza] 19/10/2023 07:11

3 x RNS - Mayo Clinic collab + £70m investment by Biomerieux

[bamboo2] 15/10/2023 10:14

Oxford Nanopore at ASHG 2023

1 November 2023 - 5 November 2023 EDT
Washington, DC, United States




Overview

The annual American Society of Human Genetics is bringing together over 8,000 scientists, clinical researchers, and other industry leaders, over a five-day program of exciting updates from the community and their implications for basic science, medicine, and society. The scientific programme reflects this broad scope and includes top invited international experts, selected abstract presentations including candidates for young investigators awards, educational sessions, and poster presentations. This event is a unique opportunity to connect, share results, and shape the future of human genetics research.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies (booth #203) is hosting a wealth of exciting and informative activities at the ASHG Annual Meeting. Join us for on-booth new product demonstrations, on-booth Data for Breakfast presentations, and for our Industry Education Session showcasing innovative external speakers. There will also be an opportunity to meet our scientists at poster sessions.

[bamboo2] 15/10/2023 09:46

Another report on the recent work at Imperial College.



Nanopore sequencing has, over the past three decades, become the most affordable, efficient way to sequence DNA. The method, which involves pulling DNA strands through a membrane via channels just nanometers wide, can read much longer DNA sequences than is possible with traditional techniques. Nanopore sequencing allows scientists to analyze complex parts of the genome, but while the technique is excellent at parsing DNA, it does not work with other biological molecules that can be markers for diseases.

Now, researchers at Imperial College London have found a way around that limitation. By using small pieces of DNA as a barcode for other biomolecules, the researchers have harnessed the power of nanopore sequencing to identify dozens of different disease biomarkers in blood samples. In a paper published on 25 September in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, the team demonstrates that the strategy can simultaneously detect 40 biomarkers from human blood serum, including proteins, small RNA pieces called microRNA, and chemicals transmitted by brain cells (neurotransmitters).

The researchers show that their technique can detect 40 different biomarkers in human blood samples. But they are now working on detecting 100.

The advance opens a door to personalized medicine, and could allow doctors to accurately diagnose cancer and heart disease early and customize treatment for patients. “A lot of components of this technology existed before,” says Aleksandar Ivanov, a professor of chemistry at Imperial College London and a member of the research team behind the advancement. “It was the synergy of bringing it all together that makes this work important. This includes the precision with which you sequence, the ability to control the transport of the analyte, and also elements of machine learning to be able to reconstruct the signal.”

Ivanov, chemistry professor Joshua Edel, and their team at Imperial College worked with researchers at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which makes the world’s only commercial nanopore sequencer. The machine generates an electric field to pull long DNA strands through pores narrower than 3 nanometers. As a strand moves through a pore, the pore restricts the passage of ions present in the sample, causing tiny changes in the electric field that can be used to identify individual nucleotides—the DNA bases commonly known by the letters A, C, G, and T.

But other biomolecules are either too small to be detected by nanopore sequencing, says Ivanov, or so big that they don’t pass through. Even if they can squeeze through the pores, the signals produced by the sequencer can be nonspecific, he says. Two proteins, for instance, can have similar electronic signatures but completely different biological functions.

To address the problem, the team made small, 30-nucleotide-long DNA snippets that acted like unique barcodes for different biomarkers. They connected each barcode to special “probe” molecules that bind to specific disease biomarkers, whether that’s a protein or a neurotransmitter or something else. After adding these DNA barcode probes to a blood sample, the researchers put it through the nanopore sequencer.

That’s when the machine-learning algorithms kick in. The team trained algorithms to identify the nucleic acid sequence of each unique barcode from the jumble of signals created as multiple barcodes from different biomarkers are read simultaneously.

“We use these probes to fish out molecules of interest in the sample,” says Ivanov. “We know which barcode corresponds to which probe. This allows us to detect whether a molecule is present in solution or not. In a way we are fingerprinting what’s inside the solution.”

“It was the synergy of bringing it all together that makes this work important. This includes the precision with which you sequence, the ability to control the transport of the analyte, and also elements of machine learning to be able to reconstruct the signal.”
—ALEKSANDAR IVANOV, PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

Combining DNA bar coding and nanopore sequencing makes for a powerful technique by pairing both selectivity and sensitivity to more effectively screen for diseases, says Edel. “In the context of personalized [medicine] and being able to perform more effective diagnostics and screening, there are two aspects at play. One is getting a better snapshot of a patient by detecting an array of biomarkers. And for some diseases, biomarkers—especially in the early stages—are found at very low concentration. So being able to detect on an individual basis at low concentrations is absolutely critical.”

In their paper, the researchers show that their technique can detect 40 different biomarkers in human blood samples. But they are now working on detecting 100, says Edel. “In terms of upper limit, it’s likely closer to 1,000,” he says. “That’s the bigger picture, long-term vision.”

[eeza] 13/10/2023 11:28

Red AT bot out of bed early once again.

[bamboo2] 12/10/2023 19:56

74tom, Management are on record suggesting profitability by 2026. This has been the case since flotation.

I can't see how they will proceed any more quickly, as the process of building momentum won't happen overnight.

For example, while the headline data from some trials is compelling and doctors will, in the absence of any better alternative, be happy to use an off-label approach, many clinical uses will need some form of randomized controlled trial before approval.

Despite the amazing speed from sample to diagnosis available from ONT's real time sequencing, there will still be a matter of minimum six to twelve months before conclusive evidence is filed.

[edited in attempt to improve clarity!]

[74tom] 12/10/2023 11:30

They are already monetising it in a major way, the question is whether they can generate material free cash flow & how soon...

[eeza] 11/10/2023 21:28

We've got the technology, but can they monetise it.

[p1nkfish] 11/10/2023 21:25

Thanks bb2, makes sense, can't last forever.

[bamboo2] 11/10/2023 20:06

Erik Karlsson on twitter today...

Happy to announce that our full genome sequences of both recent Cambodian #H5N1 #avianflu cases are now available on @GISAID. Again, this has been an incredible effort by a number of people. We were again able to go from original sample to full genome sequence in <24 hours for both cases using iMS-PCR from @peter_thielen @JHUAPL on Oxford Nanopore technology...

[bamboo2] 11/10/2023 19:58

p1nk, it's shorters.

Probably given up for now as it held at support, and there are other easier targets.

The countdown to the expiry of the anti-takeover shares has begun. Management will likely make an announcement about their future in the next few months.

An unintended consequence of the existence of these special shares, held by three of the top management team, has been to embolden shorters who can sell borrowed shares safe in the knowledge that their will be no surprise corporate action.

Another side issue caused by these three shares is that the co. is illegible for inclusion in the FTSE100.