PacBio and DNAstack Launch Global HiFi Genome Dataset for Rare Disease Research

Collaboration enables secure international data sharing to accelerate rare disease discoveries.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 2:38pm

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PacBio, a leader in advanced sequencing technologies, has partnered with DNAstack to launch the world's first global federated dataset of HiFi whole genome sequencing data. Through the HiFi Solves Global Consortium, this collaboration allows researchers to securely access and analyze harmonized genomic datasets across institutions without centralizing protected data, supporting international collaboration while maintaining compliance with regional privacy regulations.

Why it matters

The federated model of the HiFi Solves Global Consortium enables rare disease research at a global scale, increasing statistical power and providing greater context for interpreting rare genetic variants. This approach preserves data sovereignty for participating institutions while facilitating the discovery of insights that would be difficult or impossible within siloed datasets.

The details

The consortium now includes nearly 30 clinical and research institutions across 15 countries, with members having connected or committed to connect more than 10,000 HiFi whole genome sequences. The high accuracy and completeness of HiFi sequencing, combined with the federated data sharing model, allows researchers to confidently detect and interpret even the most challenging genetic variants associated with rare diseases.

  • The HiFi Solves Global Consortium was launched in 2023.
  • In November 2025, consortium members from the EMEA region published the first major study from the initiative.

The players

PacBio

A premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions, including HiFi long-read sequencing.

DNAstack

A company that builds the trust infrastructure for biomedical data collaboration, powering national and international precision health initiatives.

HiFi Solves Global Consortium

A consortium of leading clinical genomics research organizations focused on advancing the use of highly accurate HiFi sequencing in rare disease research.

Eric Vilain, M.D., Ph.D.

A member of the HiFi Solves Global Consortium and a researcher at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.

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What they’re saying

“HiFi whole genome sequencing delivers the accuracy and completeness required to confidently detect even the most challenging variants.”

— Christian Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer of PacBio

“Genome sequencing can help deliver answers to patients who need it most — but only if we can learn from global datasets while protecting participants' privacy.”

— Marc Fiume, CEO at DNAstack

“For rare disease genomic analysis, accuracy and completeness are essential. Taking advantage of the consortium's federated model, we can securely filter variants and interpret findings in the context of a diverse global dataset while maintaining full control of patient data — ultimately delivering clearer answers to families faster and with greater confidence.”

— Eric Vilain, M.D., Ph.D., UC Irvine School of Medicine and a member of the HiFi Solves Global Consortium

What’s next

The HiFi Solves Global Consortium plans to continue expanding its membership and the number of HiFi whole genome sequences connected to the federated platform, further strengthening the global rare disease research community.

The takeaway

The collaboration between PacBio and DNAstack demonstrates how advanced sequencing technologies and secure data sharing models can be leveraged to accelerate rare disease research and improve outcomes for patients, even across international borders.