Biotech company Illumina reaches agreement to acquire SomaLogic for a potential sum of $425 million
Illumina, a leading company in genomics, has announced its acquisition of SomaLogic, a pioneer in data-driven proteomics technology, from Standard BioTools for $350 million in cash, with an additional $75 million in performance-based milestones and royalties [1][3][5]. This deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
SomaLogic's proprietary proteomics platform, which enables large-scale protein measurement, will be integrated with Illumina's NovaSeq X sequencing platform, DRAGEN software, and the Illumina Connected Multiomics ecosystem. This integration aims to accelerate technological development, reduce the costs and time for proteomic research, and support advances in precision medicine [1].
The acquisition expands Illumina's footprint beyond genomics into proteomics, aligning with its multiomics strategy announced in 2024. This strategy aims to integrate multiple biological data types to enhance healthcare insights [1][3].
SomaLogic, with approximately 250 employees worldwide, will retain certain reagent commercialization rights on SOMAmer kits, while Standard BioTools' adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization are expected to achieve break-even after the transaction [2]. The Boulder, Colorado facilities, which include a lab, office, and manufacturing space, will be part of the purchase.
The deal strengthens Illumina's position in the growing proteomics market, expected to expand as multiomics becomes increasingly critical for advanced diagnostics and drug development [1]. Illumina aims to accelerate the development and democratization of proteomics at scale, reinforcing its role in the multiomics and precision medicine space [3][4].
Meanwhile, Standard BioTools, with this sale, is expected to focus on its other core areas such as cytometry and NGS sample prep, becoming more diversified but divesting the proteomics segment to Illumina [4].
Illumina's CEO, Jacob Thaysen, stated that the acquisition will strengthen the value of its NovaSeq X products, while Standard BioTools' CEO asserted that the transaction will simplify the company's operating structure [2].
This acquisition follows Illumina's co-development agreement with SomaLogic, initially signed in December 2021, which included bringing SomaScan® Proteomics Assay onto Illumina’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms [1]. Illumina Protein Prep is currently in early access use and planned for broader availability in Q3 2025 [1].
It is worth noting that Illumina remains an open NGS platform after the acquisition, committed to maintaining its existing proteomics partnerships and supporting a variety of multiomics solutions [6]. The SEC has also ended its probe of Illumina's Grail acquisition, while Illumina's DNA sequencers have been hit with a China import ban [7]. Despite these challenges, Illumina's acquisition of SomaLogic is expected to lead SomaLogic to its next phase of growth.
References:
[1] Illumina (2025). Illumina to acquire SomaLogic, expanding its multiomics strategy. [Online] Available at: https://www.illumina.com/content/dam/illumina-marketing/documents/about-illumina/press-releases/2025/illumina-to-acquire-somalogic-expanding-its-multiomics-strategy.pdf
[2] Reuters (2025). Illumina to buy proteomics firm SomaLogic for $350 mln, aims to boost multiomics strategy. [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/illumina-to-buy-proteomics-firm-somalogic-350-mln-aims-boost-multiomics-strategy-2025-06-23/
[3] FierceBiotech (2025). Illumina to acquire SomaLogic for $350M, expanding into proteomics. [Online] Available at: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/illumina-to-acquire-somalogic-for-350m-expanding-into-proteomics
[4] Bio-IT World (2025). Illumina to acquire SomaLogic for $350 million, focusing on multiomics. [Online] Available at: https://www.bio-itworld.com/articles/2025/06/23/illumina-to-acquire-soma-logic-for-350-million-focusing-on-multiomics.aspx
[5] GenomeWeb (2025). Illumina to Acquire SomaLogic for $350M in Cash, Boosting Its Multiomics Strategy. [Online] Available at: https://www.genomeweb.com/news/illumina-to-acquire-soma-logic-for-350m-in-cash-boosting-its-multiomics-strategy
[6] Illumina (n.d.). Illumina's Open Platform. [Online] Available at: https://www.illumina.com/content/dam/illumina-marketing/documents/about-illumina/illumina-open-platform.pdf
[7] Xconomy (2025). Illumina CEO on China Ban, Grail Probe, and the Future of Genomics. [Online] Available at: https://xconomy.com/illumina-ceo-on-china-ban-grail-probe-and-the-future-of-genomics/
- The acquisition of SomaLogic by Illumina, a leading company in genomics, will integrate SomaLogic's proprietary proteomics platform with Illumina's NovaSeq X sequencing platform, DRAGEN software, and the Illumina Connected Multiomics ecosystem, aiming to accelerate technological development and support advances in precision medicine.
- The deal also marks Illumina's expansion into the proteomics market, aligning with its multiomics strategy that aims to integrate multiple biological data types to enhance healthcare insights.
- SomaLogic, with approximately 250 employees worldwide, will retain certain reagent commercialization rights on SOMAmer kits, and Standard BioTools' adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization are expected to achieve break-even after the transaction.
- The acquisition strengthens Illumina's position in the growing proteomics market, expected to expand as multiomics becomes increasingly critical for advanced diagnostics and drug development.
- Meanwhile, Standard BioTools, with this sale, is expected to focus on its other core areas such as cytometry and NGS sample prep, becoming more diversified but divesting the proteomics segment to Illumina.
- Illumina aims to accelerate the development and democratization of proteomics at scale, reinforcing its role in the multiomics and precision medicine space, and AI is expected to play a significant role in this expansion.
