The UK Biobank is collaborating with IMU Biosciences, Ultima Genomics, and Waters on a multiomics immune profiling project that will analyze at least 80,000 samples.
London-based IMU said it will generate more than 100 million immune data points from each sample using its spectral imaging-based blood analysis method. The collaboration will also use Waters’ BD FACSDiscover Cell Analyzer and BD Rhapsody single-cell instrument, which will use Ultima’s UG200 sequencer for its readout.
Slated to begin before the end of 2026, the project will add an immune profiling layer to UK Biobank’s existing de-identified genomic, imaging, clinical, and lifestyle data and could later expand to analyze the UK Biobank’s full cohort of approximately 500,000 people.
IMU said it has been awarded a £1.6 million ($2.1 million) Sovereign AI grant from the UK government to deliver the project. The company said it plans to use the data to generate new AI models of immunology for use in drug target discovery.
The collaboration builds on a strategic partnership between IMU and Waters announced in June. Waters acquired BD Biosciences & Diagnostic solutions in a deal valued at $17.5 billion in February.
In a statement, Ultima added that the UG200 has been validated for use with the BD Rhapsody platform.