Building one of the World’s Largest Human Liver Functional Genomics Dataset to Date: Inside the Ochre Bio and Lexogen Partnership

Building a comprehensive, high-resolution dataset reflecting human liver biology requires more than selecting the right technology, it demands a partner operating at eye level, a collaboration grounded in trust, ambition, and operational excellence. When Ochre Bio set out to generate one of the world’s largest functional genomics liver datasets, they knew the project would hinge on getting a very complex endeavor right the first time around. Ochre needed a sequencing partner capable of managing the scale and challenges of human liver tissue and of consistently delivering high-quality RNA data tailored for computational and AI-driven discovery.

Lexogen was a natural choice: a trusted collaborator with expertise in RNA-Seq, transcriptomics, and large-scale sequencing workflows. Their reputation for precision, customization, and excellence in non-standard sequencing projects aligned perfectly with Ochre’s goal of generating a robust, scalable human liver functional genomics resource to power AI models for liver disease research and therapeutic development.

To explore how the partnership worked in practice, Ochre’s Head of In Silico, Julian Maller, spoke with Lexogen CEO Stéphane Barges about why the partnership was such a strong fit and reflected on the future of AI-driven drug discovery.

What made the Ochre x Lexogen Collaboration a Natural Fit?

“When we started planning a collaboration on human liver datasets, we knew we had one shot at building what has become one of the largest functional bespoke datasets in the world. We needed a partner who could handle the complexity and scale of liver tissue and deliver consistently high-quality RNA sequencing. We chose Lexogen because of our strong history of mutual trust and your reputation for high-quality, customised RNA sequencing services. From your side, what made this partnership with Ochre a good fit, and why do you think we worked so well together?”

“Working with Ochre Bio felt immediately right because their ambition for AI-driven liver biology gave the project a clear purpose. Lexogen has spent nearly two decades focused on RNA and transcriptomics, so our expertise aligned closely with Ochre’s focus on RNA therapies based on human rather than animal data. Ochre wasn’t looking for a routine sequencing run; they wanted a partner for a genuinely groundbreaking program. Open communication and a shared willingness to solve problems were crucial. When technical questions came up, we adjusted, iterated and refined our approach together. That level of trust is what turned such a complex program into a productive partnership.”

Designing RNA-Seq Data for AI-Driven Liver Disease Discovery

“For Ochre, one breakthrough has been combining the sequenced data Lexogen generated with our OBELiX software and our existing human liver disease atlas. This has given us causal gene perturbation data and single cell read outs that underpin one of the largest human liver functional genomics resources and form the backbone of our AI models. From your perspective, how do you see high-quality sequencing like this enabling better AI and better medicines, and what was different about the way Ochre wanted to use the data?”

“High-quality sequencing is fundamental to AI-driven discovery, because models are only as good as the data they learn from. With Ochre, we designed the sequencing for computational use, with consistent processing, information-rich read outs and strong quality control. Bringing together pharma, an AI-focused biotech like Ochre and a specialist RNA partner like Lexogen unlocked insights none of us could have achieved alone. At Lexogen, we now see sequencing as the first step in an integrated analysis pipeline and our partnership with Ochre showed how strong data foundations can accelerate the development of better medicines.”

Delivering RNA-Seq at Unprecedented Scale:
Deep Insides for 120,000 Samples and Beyond

“Something people may struggle to grasp is the scale of this project. We are talking about 120,000 liver samples that had to be handled, sequenced and quality controlled with almost no room for error. At Ochre, that scale is what allows us to train powerful AI models and map gene function to disease in a way that was impossible before, and it has raised our expectations for what ‘good’ looks like in human datasets. For Lexogen, what did it take to deliver sequencing at that scale, and when you look to the future, what excites you most about where our partnership could go next?”

“Handling close to 120,000 primary hepatocyte samples is a major technical and logistical challenge, demanding industrial scale workflows, strict quality control and a stable, scalable infrastructure. Using our proprietary extraction free RNA-Seq and an experienced team, we kept the dataset consistent and scientifically robust so that scale translated into high-quality, interpretable biology. Looking ahead, I see partnerships like this setting the benchmark for human data driven liver research and pushing Lexogen further towards being an end-to-end RNA and data analysis partner. Together with Ochre and companies like them, we can help drive more precise, biology-rooted diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, and possibly expand this model to other organs and diseases in the future.”

Setting a New Standard for Human-Data-Driven Therapeutics

This collaboration demonstrates how combining RNA-Seq expertise with AI-driven discovery can unlock an unprecedented view of human liver disease biology. By aligning scientific ambition, rigorous quality standards, and a problem-solving attitude in this partnership, our teams produced one of the largest and most reliable human liver functional genomics datasets to date. For patients, this clearer view of liver disease should, in time, mean earlier diagnosis, better targeted treatments and, ultimately, better outcomes.

Key Takeaways from the Ochre Bio × Lexogen Collaboration

Quality matters also at scale! Generating high-quality RNA-Seq data across ~120,000 samples is essential for robust AI and meaningful biological insights.
Data must be generated with computational use in mind, from sequencing workflow to quality control metrics.
Collaboration drives innovation! Open communication and shared scientific values enabled fast iteration effectively solving any challenges around projects of this scale and size.
A new standard for human-data-driven medicine: This dataset creates the foundation for more accurate target discovery, improved disease modelling, and future RNA- and gene-based therapies through Ochre’s OBELiX platform.

About Ochre Bio

Ochre Bio is a biotechnology company developing novel RNA medicines for under-treated chronic liver diseases. Its proprietary discovery platform combines machine learning and big human datasets, with in-house RNA chemistry, and testing in live human donor livers. Ochre Bio is headquartered in Oxford, UK, and has research labs in New York and Taipei.

Dr. Julian Maller is Head of In Silico Biology at Ochre Bio, leading the company’s AI and human data programmes. With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of computational biology, genomics and drug discovery, he previously served as Director of Research Technology at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Senior Statistical Geneticist at Genomics plc. He holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Oxford.

About Lexogen

For nearly 20 years, Lexogen offers comprehensive solutions for transcriptome analysis and RNA sequencing, including kits, reagents, bioinformatics, and services (CRO). Lexogen’s products are designed and manufactured in Vienna, Austria, and the sequencing services are also delivered from Vienna. The company is ISO 9001 and 1385 certified, and all services are performed in compliance with GCLP and GDPR.

Dr. Stéphane Barges is the CEO of Lexogen. He obtained his doctorate in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of Geneva and an MBA from HEC Geneva’s school of management. Prior to joining Lexogen in 2020, he has held various positions in life sciences and diagnostics organizations such as Life Technologies, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Tecan, and QIAGEN and combines two decades of experience with a passion for RNA.

Lexogen x Ochre Bio – Case Study for AI-driven Liver Drug Discovery

The case study “Mapping Human Liver Disease in Large-Scale Human Primary Cell Next Generation Sequencing Project with Ochre Bio” summarizes the break-throughs enabled by the successful collaboration between Lexogen and Ochre Bio and outlines the broad capabilities of Lexogen NGS Services for drug discovery applications.

December 15, 2025
Interview

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