Pillar Biosciences and Hamilton Expand Automated NGS Library Preparation Method for oncoReveal® Nexus 21 Gene Panel on Hamilton Microlab STAR™ and STARlet™ Liquid Handling Systems

NATICK, Mass. and RENO, Nev., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pillar Biosciences, Inc., and Hamilton Company today announced the validation and commercial release of the latest automated NGS library preparation method under their NGS Application Development and Co-Marketing Agreement for the on Hamilton Microlab® STAR™and STARlet™ liquid handling systems. This latest milestone expands the growing portfolio of automated NGS workflows designed to help laboratories increase efficiency, improve reproducibility, and accelerate cancer research.

Pillar's research-use-only (RUO) oncoReveal Nexus 21 Gene Panel, a robust NGS assay designed to interrogate 21 genes relevant to both blood cancers and solid organ cancers, represents the second validated automation workflow released under the companies' strategic collaboration. The workflow is now available for Hamilton STAR and STARlet liquid handling systems, providing laboratories with an additional automation-ready solution for targeted cancer research.

The oncoReveal® Nexus 21 Gene Panel automation method is designed to prepare up to 96 NGS libraries in a single continuous run, enabling laboratories to automate Pillar's streamlined single-tube, SLIMamp®-powered target enrichment workflow for laboratories seeking an efficient automated approach to targeted cancer research.

Key features of this Nexus 21 NGS automation method include:

• Efficient sample processing: Uses Hamilton's Multi-Probe Head (MPH) and synchronized on-deck processing to reduce overall library preparation time.

• Flexible throughput: Supports 8-96 libraries per run on the STAR, and 8-24 libraries on the STARlet, selectable in multiples of 8.

• User-friendly interface: Guided software interface simplifies deck setup, reagent loading, and run configuration.

• Streamlined workflow: Reduces manual handling for sample and reagent preparation, with no mandatory mid-run tip reloads.

• Economical reagent usage: Optimized liquid handling reduces dead volume, while maximizing reagent utilization.

"The oncoReveal Nexus 21 Gene Panel brings together a concise, high-value set of targets for both hematologic and solid tumor research in a workflow that is well suited to automation," said ShiPing Zou, Sr. Director of Global Product Management for Pillar Biosciences. "By extending our Hamilton STAR automation work to Nexus 21, we are helping laboratories reduce hands-on effort, support higher throughput, and deliver rapid, reliable NGS library preparation using Pillar's proprietary SLIMamp® chemistry."

"This release expands the range of Pillar workflows that laboratories can implement on Hamilton automation, giving researchers more flexibility as they scale targeted NGS studies across hematologic and solid tumor applications," said Michael Mouradian, Vice President of Scientific Strategy and Market Development at Hamilton. "By bringing the oncoReveal® Nexus 21 Gene Panel to both the Microlab® STAR™ and Microlab® STARlet™ platforms, we are helping laboratories adopt a streamlined, scalable automation approach aligned with their throughput needs."

The Nexus 21 workflow expands the growing portfolio of validated Pillar Biosciences automation methods available on Hamilton liquid handling systems, providing laboratories with greater flexibility when implementing automated NGS workflows across multiple oncology applications. Together, Hamilton and Pillar Biosciences remain committed to delivering integrated automation solutions that simplify adoption and enable researchers to confidently scale their genomic research programs.

About Pillar Biosciences

Pillar Biosciences is a global provider of next-generation sequencing (NGS) kitted solutions designed to deliver high analytical performance and operational efficiency for cancer testing. Powered by proprietary SLIMamp® and PiVAT® technologies, Pillar enables localized testing to expand access to complex molecular diagnostics worldwide. The company offers a growing portfolio of IVD and RUO NGS kits targeting tumor profiling, biomarker analysis, and molecular research and monitoring applications. Pillar's solutions are built to provide laboratories and pharmaceutical partners with reliable, reproducible results while improving workflow efficiency across clinical and research settings. For more information visit pillarbiosci.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Hamilton

For more than 75 years, Hamilton Company has been a global life sciences leader in the design and manufacturing of precision measurement devices, automated liquid handling platforms, and sample management solutions. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, with key manufacturing and R&D affiliates in Bonaduz, Switzerland, Franklin, Massachusetts, and Timisoara, Romania, Hamilton serves the scientific community through a robust network of sales and support offices worldwide.

Hamilton's expertise spans across liquid handling, process analytics, robotics, and automated storage, providing the foundational tools necessary for groundbreaking scientific research and clinical discovery. By combining the best-quality materials with skilled workmanship and a lifelong commitment to ISO 9001-certified precision, Hamilton ensures the highest level of performance and reliability. Hamilton remains dedicated to driving innovation and satisfying the evolving needs of laboratories across the globe, maintaining a steadfast focus on quality and customer success. For more information, visit www.hamiltoncompany.com.

SOURCE Pillar Biosciences, Inc.