What's Happening?
Vizgen Inc., a leader in spatial multi-omics and developer of MERFISH technology, has announced the launch of Velocity Lab. This new central foundry aims to generate decision-grade spatial biology data at an unprecedented scale, collaborating with partners
to advance AI-driven drug discovery. Velocity Lab combines the sensitivity of Vizgen's MERSCOPE Platform with new technologies essential for advanced biological models. Currently, Velocity Lab offers two key capabilities: Volumetric Tissue Mapping, which profiles thick tissue up to 100 µm to capture three-dimensional cell neighborhoods and disease microenvironments, and MERSCOPE CoMap, which enables same-slide RNA and protein co-detection. This combined readout supports studies in target validation, mechanism of action, safety profiling, and treatment response. Vizgen is also preparing Velocity Lab for spatially resolved functional genomics, with early-access collaborations already underway, including a large multinational biopharma partner utilizing Volumetric Tissue Mapping for neuroscience drug discovery.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Velocity Lab by Vizgen Inc. marks a significant advancement in spatial biology, particularly for AI-driven drug discovery and cell atlasing efforts in the U.S. and globally. By providing data at an unprecedented scale and depth, Velocity Lab addresses a critical limitation in current biological research: the inability to fully understand cellular interactions within their native tissue context. Volumetric Tissue Mapping, which captures up to four times more neighboring cells per cell than traditional thin sections, promises to reveal previously hidden disease biology and cellular relationships. This enhanced understanding is crucial for developing more effective and targeted therapies. The integration of RNA and protein co-detection through MERSCOPE CoMap further refines the molecular identity and functional state of cells, offering a comprehensive view vital for drug development. This initiative stands to benefit pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and ultimately, patients, by accelerating the discovery of new therapeutic targets and improving the precision of drug development.
What's Next?
Velocity Lab is currently open to partners, with plans to expand capacity for additional research collaborations. Vizgen aims to scale towards transcriptome-scale spatial profiling of hundreds of millions of cells per week in 2027. Researchers interested in bringing Volumetric Tissue Mapping to their own labs can order the MERSCOPE Ultra Z Installation Package. Vizgen will also be present at the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) 2026 meeting in Washington, D.C., from November 14–18, to discuss early access to Volumetric Tissue Mapping. The ongoing collaborations, such as with a multinational biopharma partner for neuroscience drug discovery and a leading independent nonprofit research organization for high-plex multi-omics profiling, are expected to yield novel data that will further validate and demonstrate the capabilities of Velocity Lab.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of platforms like Velocity Lab signifies a broader shift in biological research towards integrating advanced imaging, multi-omics, and artificial intelligence. This convergence has profound implications for how diseases are understood and treated. By moving beyond thin-section snapshots to volumetric and multi-omic data, researchers can build more accurate and predictive models of biological systems. This approach could lead to a more holistic understanding of complex diseases, potentially uncovering new biomarkers and therapeutic pathways that were previously inaccessible. The ethical considerations surrounding large-scale data generation and AI applications in biology will also become increasingly important, particularly concerning data privacy, accessibility, and the responsible use of predictive models in healthcare. This technological leap could redefine the landscape of precision medicine and personalized treatments.
