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Benthic Genomics Launches Angler Imputation Platform, Making High-Resolution Immunogenomics Accessible to All Researchers

New cloud-based platform transforms standard microarray data into comprehensive HLA typing across 45 immune genes with >95% accuracy, democratizing access to precision immunogenetics 


Palo Alto, CA – September 10, 2025 – Benthic Genomics today announced the commercial launch of Angler Imputation, available on Benthic’s cloud-based platform, that enables any researcher with standard genotyping data to perform high-resolution immunogenetic analysis. Angler, which delivers 3-field HLA typing across 45 immune genes from microarray data, will be featured in a poster presentation at AGBT Precision Health showcasing performance metrics across diverse populations and array platforms. 


Until now, comprehensive immunogenetic profiling required choosing between incomplete, low-resolution methods or investing in specialized sequencing infrastructure. Angler Imputation changes this paradigm by working with data from any standard genotyping array – including widely-used commercial genotyping arrays as well as custom arrays – to deliver clinical-grade HLA typing accuracy without additional wet lab work.


"High-resolution immunogenomics shouldn't be limited to well-funded labs with sequencing capabilities," said Solomon Endlich, CEO of Benthic Genomics. "Angler democratizes access to this critical data. Whether you're a small academic lab studying autoimmune disease or a large biobank investigating population health, you can now extract comprehensive immune profiling from the array data you might even already have."


Angler's key specifications include:

  • 45-gene coverage: Complete analysis of classical HLA genes (A, B, C, DRB1, DQB1, DPB1) plus non-classical loci including MICA/MICB, TAP genes, and others typically missed by standard methods

  • >95% accuracy at 3-field resolution: Clinical-grade precision matching specialized HLA sequencing

  • Population-agnostic performance: 2-4x better accuracy than existing tools in non-European populations

  • Biobank-ready scale: Process thousands of samples in minutes through secure cloud infrastructure

  • Platform flexibility: Compatible with all major commercial arrays and custom designs


The launch follows a successful Early Access Program that included a collaboration with the Project MinE consortium demonstrating the platform's ability to pinpoint novel disease associations from over 100,000 samples, bridging the gap between affordable, large-scale studies and the precision of deep sequencing.


The collaboration with Project MinE, a leading global ALS research consortium, validated Angler’s power on one of the world's largest disease-specific genomic datasets. Benthic successfully imputed variants for more than 135,000 array samples. The technology filled in missing data in previously inaccessible delta-block regions (highly complex genetic sequences previously difficult to analyze) within the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), a feat that progressed the consortium’s analysis from broad regional associations to the identification of specific, high-resolution HLA alleles linked to disease risk.


"Angler Imputation helped us move from broad regional signals to more specific immune-related associations in a way that fit our scale and timelines. It’s a practical tool for adding high-resolution insights to large cohorts without changing upstream lab workflows," said Dr. Jan Veldink, Professor of Neurology and Neurogenetics at UMC Utrecht and a principal investigator for Project MinE.


Benthic presented performance data at AGBT Precision Health this week, including head-to-head comparisons with existing methods, accuracy metrics across multiple populations, and a deep dive on the technology underlying Angler Imputation.


Poster Title: A High Sensitivity Variant and Allele Imputation Reference for Human MHC

Presenter: Solomon Endlich, CEO

To download poster, please visit www.benthic.bio/angler


Angler Imputation is available for research use today. To request a demo or discuss how to analyze microarray datasets for high-resolution immunogenetic insights, visit www.benthic.bio or contact the team at info@benthic.bio.


About Benthic Genomics

Benthic Genomics was founded to address critical gaps in the precision and usability of current genomic solutions, particularly in immunogenomics. The company's mission is to master the most complex genomic challenges through pioneering computational tools and molecular methods, empowering researchers and clinicians to advance human health. Their hope is to be a catalyst in an era where previously inaccessible genomic information is readily understood and applied, leading to profound advancements in personalized medicine and global health.


Media Contact

Michelle Vierra

530-613-9844

 
 
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