The single-cell genomics landscape is evolving as ArgenTag, an Argentine biotechnology firm, has announced its partnership with PacBio, a leader in long-read sequencing technologies. This collaboration, forged under the PacBio Compatible Partner Program, aims to enhance research capabilities in transcriptomics by confirming the compatibility of ArgenTag’s Single-Cell RNA Library Kit with PacBio’s Kinnex RNA kits.
The agreement allows researchers to perform long-read isoform sequencing at single-cell resolution, eliminating the need for specialized equipment traditionally required for cell partitioning. “When you do short reads, you’re not getting all the information,” said Sofía Lavista Llanos, PhD, director of process development at ArgenTag. She emphasized that short reads only provide a limited snapshot of the genetic landscape.
Innovative Technology for Enhanced Genomic Insights
ArgenTag’s approach leverages a gravity-based microfluidic chip that partitions cells and uses barcoded beads. This technology, first detailed in a paper published in Scientific Reports in May 2022, enables multiplex long-read sequencing. The integration with PacBio’s Kinnex kits and HiFi long-read sequencing results in a streamlined benchtop workflow that allows for scalable generation of comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic data.
Researchers will find this advantageous for capturing full-length isoform diversity, identifying alternative splicing events, and detecting gene fusions—complexities often overlooked by traditional short-read methods. Access to complete isoform data at the single-cell level could significantly enhance opportunities for biomarker discovery, improve understanding of gene regulation, and support the development of new therapeutics.
ArgenTag is distinguished in the market as one of the few companies focused on solutions specifically designed for long-read sequencing. This commitment to providing high-resolution, full-length isoform data offers researchers unprecedented clarity in their biological investigations. The company also includes an integrated software solution that optimizes bioinformatics for long-read data, facilitating the demultiplexing of reads and their assignment to the originating cells.
Grant Program to Support Innovative Research
In conjunction with this partnership, ArgenTag is initiating a Single-Cell Long-Read Research Grant Program. This initiative is intended to provide selected researchers with access to the ArgenTag single-cell kit, fostering innovative or exploratory projects in long-read single-cell research. The application period opens on February 17, 2026, and closes on March 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions will be available on the ArgenTag website.
“Our mission at ArgenTag is to enable scientists to better understand health and disease with long-read single-cell sequencing solutions,” stated Leandro Ciappina, CEO of ArgenTag. “By joining PacBio Compatible, we are enabling more researchers to access high-resolution, long-read data. This compatibility empowers any lab to explore the full complexity of the transcriptome at single-cell resolution.”
The collaboration between ArgenTag and PacBio represents a significant advancement in the field of genomics, potentially transforming the way researchers study cellular processes and genetic variations. As the demand for precise and comprehensive genomic data grows, partnerships like this may play a crucial role in future scientific breakthroughs.
