Watchmaker Genomics Expands Molecular Diagnostics Tools Portfolio with Launch of Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits 

Boulder, CO, April 14, 2026 – Watchmaker Genomics, an innovator in high-performance tools for molecular diagnostic (MDx) assay developers, today announced the expansion of its MDx tools portfolio with the launch of Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits. Together with Watchmaker’s Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) enzyme suite, the portfolio now enables assay developers to design across both PCR and isothermal modalities to support rapid, robust point-of-care and field-deployable testing. 

This portfolio expansion builds on Watchmaker’s strength in engineering differentiated enzymes for demanding next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows and extends those capabilities into molecular diagnostics, where performance, speed, and robustness are equally critical. By applying its protein engineering platform, which integrates computational design, directed evolution, and machine learning, Watchmaker develops reagents that maintain sensitivity and reliability in crude or minimally processed samples, enabling faster workflows without compromising results. 

Powered by StellarTaq™ DNA Polymerase and StellarScript^® HT+ Reverse Transcriptase, the Stellar Kits exhibit exceptional inhibitor tolerance, speed, and sensitivity. These attributes enable reliable amplification directly from complex sample matrices, while supporting rapid cycling workflows to deliver results in under 10 minutes on fast-cycling platforms. 

In parallel, Watchmaker’s RPA enzyme suite offers an isothermal alternative to traditional methods such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for applications requiring ultra-fast detection and simplified instrumentation. Operating at a constant low temperature, RPA enables results in minutes and is well-suited for decentralized, field-based, and at-home testing environments. Together, the Stellar Kits and RPA enzymes provide assay developers with flexible amplification strategies to match performance requirements, workflow constraints, and deployment settings. 

“Whether supporting sophisticated NGS workflows or decentralized molecular diagnostic assays, the underlying need is the same – better reagents that drive better performance,” said Eric van der Walt, Chief Innovation Officer of Watchmaker Genomics. “Our protein engineering platform has helped establish Watchmaker as a trusted partner in next-generation sequencing, and we are excited to bring that same rigor and innovation to MDx assay developers and other life science tools providers who need speed, sensitivity, and robustness in real-world testing environments.” 

Watchmaker Genomics will present new data highlighting the performance of its amplification technologies, including the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits, at ESCMID 2026 in Munich, Germany, April 18-21, 2026. Attendees can visit Watchmaker at Booth G37. In addition, Watchmaker will present a talk entitled “Breaking Barriers: A new qPCR chemistry for fast, extraction-free POC testing” on Sunday, April 19, from 10:30–10:50 AM in the Innovation and Pipeline Theatre. 

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Jen Pavlica 

Associate Director of Product Marketing 

jen.pavlica@watchmakergenomics.com 

Sciad Communications, Media Relations  

Jasmin Shearan 

E: pressteam@sciad.com  

T: +442034057892  

Notes for Editors:

Watchmaker Genomics is a life sciences company pioneering high-performance enzyme engineering to enable breakthroughs in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and synthetic biology. Leveraging advanced directed evolution and precision protein design, Watchmaker develops best-in-class enzymes that enhance the accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular testing workflows. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company partners with leading researchers, diagnostic developers, and biotechnology companies to push the boundaries of molecular biology. 

For more information, visit http://www.watchmakergenomics.com, follow Watchmaker Genomics on Twitter @WatchmakerGeno1 or find us on LinkedIn.