Olink Proteomics and the Explore HT platform are at the forefront of large-scale proteomics, having been selected for groundbreaking projects by both the UK Biobank and the Regeneron Genetics Center.
Olink Proteomics and the UK Biobank are unlocking a new era in large-scale proteomics.
Large-scale proteomics is emerging as the new frontier in biological research, offering a broader view of the human proteome and deeper insights into the relationship between the genome, disease prediction, and prevention.
At this moment, a highly ambitious and promising project is underway. The world’s largest human proteomics study,the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP), has launched. Olink Proteomics using Explore HT platform is enabling this pioneering project. As recently announced, the UKB-PPP aims to use Olink Explore HT to measure over 5,400 proteins in 600,000 samples from UK Biobank participants.
The high-plex protein analysis enabled by Olink Explore and PEA technology offers unparalleled potential for the simultaneous measurement of thousands of proteins. This platform, combined with the extensive human genome dataset of the UK Biobank, is being applied to the proteomic analysis of over 54,000 participants.
Following the successful pilot phase of the UKB-PPP, in which Olink Explore 3072 was used to measure ~3,000 proteins in over 54,000 participants, numerous publications followed, three of which were published in Nature. These studies highlighted the project’s ability to uncover valuable insights that can shape future drug development and advance human health.
As recently announced, the UKB-PPP will now scale up to measure over 5,400 proteins in 600,000 samples using Olink’s platforms for proteomic analysis . This marks a pivotal milestone in biomedical science, as large-scale proteomics at the population level becomes a reality—opening the door to transformative discoveries that will influence the future of human health. The project offers the global scientific community an unprecedented data resource poised to drive significant breakthroughs across the entire spectrum of human biology.
This initiative is pioneering in the field of biology, and with the transformative impact of Olink Proteomics, a new path opens toward an advanced understanding of system biology and human disease. The UKB-PPP using Olink Proteomics has the potential to enhance personalized medicine and accelerate biomarker discovery.
The dataset generated will be comparable in significance to the Human Genome Project. The unique combination of the processing power of Olink Proteomics and the comprehensive data from the most well-characterized biobank in the world will enable research into genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle influences on human health.
The synergy between Olink Proteomics and the UK Biobank will also generate insights into ethnic variations, thanks to the UKB’s rich ethnic diversity, and age-related changes in the human proteome.
Regeneron Genetics Center Chooses Olink Proteomics for Large-Scale Proteomic Analysis
The Regeneron Genetics Center (RGC) has announced a new collaboration with Olink. Exp The project will analyze over 200,000 samples from the Geisinger Health Study, making it another landmark in large-scale proteomics aimed at unlocking new biological insights.
The deep phenotyping data provided by the Geisinger Health Study, combined with the capabilities of the Olink Proteomics platform, is expected to validate genetic hypotheses, strengthen drug targets identified through RGC’s genomic sequencing efforts, and uncover new disease biomarkers, ultimately improving the efficiency of drug development.
Olink Explore HT was selected for its exceptional scalability, high-throughput capacity, and outstanding specificity, essential features for managing such a large volume of samples.
This comprehensive proteomic analysis of a large population will yield a valuable dataset that maps protein quantity and quality across diverse genetic and environmental backgrounds.
Why Olink Explore HT?
Olink Explore HT is a high-throughput proteomics platform capable of analyzing up to 5,700 proteins from as little as 2 μL of sample. Unlike traditional targeted protein assays, Olink proteomics enables the simultaneous measurement of thousands of proteins, without compromising data quality.
Combining Olink’s Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology with ultra-high-plex capabilities, the platform delivers comprehensive, efficient, and reliable protein profiling making Olink proteomics a high-standard and accurate analysis. When paired with the rich genomic dataset of the UK Biobank, this platform becomes a powerful engine for uncovering new biological insights.
Following the successful pilot, the project resulted in numerous publications, including three landmark papers in Nature in late 2023. These studies demonstrated the Olink proteomics platform’s capacity to generate insights that could shape the future of drug development and improve human health.
Now fully launched, the UKB-PPP represents a pivotal moment in biomedical science. Large-scale, population-level proteomics is no longer theoretical—it’s a reality, offering the global scientific community a transformative resource to drive discoveries across the entire spectrum of human biology.
Olink Proteomics x Protavio
Protavio is a certified service provider for Olink Explore. Our services highlight our commitment to excellence and our mission to support researchers by offering essential tools and insights that advance proteomics and biomarker discovery.
Olink Explore HT is an excellent choice for high-throughput proteomics. With increased specificity and scalability, the platform is designed to operate at any scale, running thousands of samples in a cost-effective, streamlined, and automated workflow.
This groundbreaking platform enables researchers to analyze approximately 5,700 proteins with 99.5% specificity. Its unique dual-recognition technology—linking protein detection to DNA barcoding—delivers unmatched precision in proteomic analysis. This high level of specificity minimizes the risk of false positives, reduces data misinterpretation, and prevents unnecessary time and resource use.
Each assay undergoes rigorous validation to ensure that the data generated is accurate, reliable, and ready to support high-impact scientific research and data-driven decision-making.