SEATTLE -- Parse Biosciences, the leading provider of scalable and accessible single cell sequencing solutions, announced a breakthrough technology that unlocks the full potential of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. By enabling whole transcriptome capture from archived tissues at single cell resolution, this innovation opens new possibilities for discovery in oncology, translational research, and precision medicine.

The use of FFPE samples for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has traditionally been limited to profiling a predefined list of genes due to RNA degradation and fragmentation, reducing transcriptome coverage and discovery potential. Parse’s breakthrough overcomes these challenges with a novel split-pool combinatorial barcoding method that enables true transcriptome-wide scRNA-seq of FFPE-preserved tissues through its unique RNA capture chemistry. This advancement allows researchers to analyze thousands to millions of cells from hundreds of samples simultaneously, without relying on predefined gene lists.

“By enabling single cell analysis of archival specimens, we’re dramatically expanding what’s possible for researchers,” said Charlie Roco, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Parse. “This capability gives researchers who work with FFPE samples access to high-resolution transcriptomic data, fueling progress in translational oncology and precision medicine.”

The FFPE-compatible Barcoding Technology is currently in early-access testing with Parse customers, and is available for pre-order. The company will collaborate closely with these partners ahead of a broader release in Q1 of 2026.