IPSWICH, Mass., July 7, 2026
New England Biolabs (NEB®) has announced the launch of the NEBNext® Companion Module for Oxford Nanopore Technologies® Direct RNA Sequencing, providing researchers with a streamlined, quality-controlled solution for native RNA sequencing applications. Designed to support the Oxford Nanopore RNA004 Direct RNA Sequencing workflow, the new module contains all NEB-recommended reagents required for the protocol in optimized volumes that are lot-qualified together through library preparation and sequencing. The launch represents an important advancement for transcriptomics research by simplifying direct RNA sequencing workflows while improving sequencing consistency, data quality, and laboratory efficiency. Unlike conventional sequencing approaches that require RNA conversion into complementary DNA (cDNA), direct RNA sequencing enables scientists to analyze native RNA molecules, allowing accurate investigation of RNA modifications, transcript structure, alternative splicing, and therapeutic messenger RNA (mRNA). The new companion module further expands NEB’s molecular biology portfolio while supporting the growing adoption of next-generation sequencing technologies across biomedical research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development.
Integrated Workflow Simplifies Native RNA Sequencing
The NEBNext® Companion Module provides researchers with a purpose-built reagent kit specifically designed to complement Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ Direct RNA Sequencing platform. Each component has been selected according to Oxford Nanopore’s recommended workflow and packaged in protocol-compatible volumes to reduce laboratory preparation time while improving reproducibility. A key feature of the module is the inclusion of Induro® Reverse Transcriptase, an advanced intron-encoded reverse transcriptase used during cDNA synthesis to reduce RNA secondary structure, enabling smoother passage of RNA molecules through nanopores and improving both sequence yield and sequencing accuracy.
By integrating quality-controlled reagents into a single solution, the module minimizes workflow complexity while supporting highly reliable sequencing performance for researchers conducting transcriptomic studies. The simplified workflow is expected to benefit laboratories performing advanced genomic analysis, RNA biology research, and emerging sequencing applications requiring direct analysis of native RNA without introducing biases associated with conventional cDNA-based methods.
Direct RNA Sequencing Expands Applications in Biomedical Research
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Direct RNA sequencing is rapidly becoming one of the most promising technologies in modern genomics because it enables researchers to examine RNA molecules in their native biological state, preserving critical molecular information often lost during cDNA conversion. The technology supports numerous cutting-edge applications, including identification of RNA modifications, transfer RNA (tRNA) sequencing, transcript isoform characterization, epitranscriptomics research, and quality assessment of therapeutic messenger RNA used in advanced biologic medicines and vaccines. As RNA-based therapeutics continue expanding across pharmaceutical research and precision medicine, demand for highly accurate native RNA analysis continues to increase.
The new NEBNext® Companion Module provides scientists with an optimized workflow that enhances sequencing efficiency while supporting broader adoption of Oxford Nanopore’s direct RNA sequencing technology across academic institutions, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical developers, and clinical research laboratories. By combining high-quality molecular biology reagents, standardized workflow design, and compatibility with next-generation nanopore sequencing, New England Biolabs continues to strengthen its position as a leader in life science research technologies. The launch reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing genomic research, enabling innovation in molecular diagnostics, RNA biology, therapeutic development, and precision medicine through high-performance sequencing solutions that empower researchers to better understand complex biological systems and accelerate scientific discovery.
Source: New England Biolabs press release
