Illumina’s DRAGEN v4.5 cuts germline errors 20%, FFPE noise over 90%
Illumina launched DRAGEN v4.5, adding support for TruPath Genome and 5-base assays, boosting germline variant calling accuracy by about 20% fewer false positives/negatives and reducing FFPE somatic noise by over 90% for SNVs and 87% for indels. New pangenome with Middle Eastern genomes and oncovirus detection expands multiomic insights.
1. DRAGEN v4.5 Launch and Core Enhancements
Illumina has introduced DRAGEN v4.5, extending bioinformatics support to its TruPath Genome and 5-base assays. This update integrates pangenome representation, default personalization and machine learning features to enhance variant calling across germline, oncology and multiomic workflows.
2. Accuracy and Performance Improvements
Version 4.5 delivers roughly 20% fewer germline false positives and false negatives versus v4.4. For oncology, machine-learning-driven somatic calling cuts FFPE-associated noise by over 90% for SNVs and 87% for indels, maintaining speed and computational efficiency.
3. Expanded Multiomic and Oncology Capabilities
The new pangenome adds Middle Eastern reference genomes to reduce ancestry bias and improve mapping. DRAGEN v4.5 also debuts oncovirus detection with 100% sensitivity in tests and structural variant calling for 5-base applications, broadening its research utility.