What is the Orion spatial proteomics platform?

Orion is RareCyte's spatial proteomics platform that enables single-round high-plex immunofluorescence imaging of tissue samples. It captures up to 18 protein biomarkers in a single round across 20 total channels, delivering high-fidelity spatial data for translational and clinical research.

How does Orion's single-round workflow work?

Orion uses a cocktail staining approach where all ArgoFluor-conjugated antibodies are applied simultaneously in a single staining step, then the entire slide is imaged in one scan across 20 channels. This eliminates cyclic stripping, preserves tissue and antigen integrity, and enables same-day results with staining and imaging of multiple slides per day.

What tissue types and sample formats are compatible with Orion?

Orion is compatible with FFPE and frozen tissue sections on standard microscope slides. It supports whole tissue sections and tissue microarrays across diverse tissue types and indications including oncology, autoimmunity, and immunology.

What instruments are available in the Orion portfolio?

The Orion portfolio includes multiple instruments suited to different lab scales. The Orion LE is designed for labs establishing a multiplexed imaging workflow or running targeted panels. The standard Orion is suited for teams needing biomarker depth and panel flexibility. The Orion HT is purpose-built for high-capacity, clinical-scale environments, offering 30-slide automation and 24/7 unattended operation.

What data outputs does Orion produce?

Orion produces 20-channel whole-slide images in OME.TIFF format with integrated quantitative analysis via the Artemis software. CSV data tables are generated alongside image outputs, enabling compatibility with third-party image analysis platforms.

How does Orion compare to cyclic multiplex immunofluorescence approaches?

Unlike cyclic IF platforms that require repeated staining, stripping, and re-imaging rounds, Orion acquires all 20 channels in a single round. This approach eliminates antigen and tissue degradation from stripping, simplifies panel validation, reduces per-sample cost, and dramatically increases throughput — making it better suited for large cohort translational and clinical studies.

What panels and reagents are available for Orion?

RareCyte offers over 500 validated ArgoFluor-conjugated antibodies across 200+ biomarkers, along with more than 16 human and 6 mouse off-the-shelf panels for core research areas including immuno-oncology and cellular phenotyping. Custom panel development, antibody conjugation, and validation support are also available.

Orion™ Spatial Proteomics

The only platform designed for spatial biomarker development at clinical scale

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Spatial proteomics for precision therapeutics

Powered by paradigm-shifting 20-channel whole slide technology, Orion uniquely delivers the biomarker depth, throughput, and data quality clinical researchers require to translate spatial insights into clinical impact.

By resolving tissue microenvironments at scale, Orion is routinely used to develop spatial biomarkers that measure response to therapy and for unlocking mechanistic, prognostic and predictive value for patient care.

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The Orion single-round high-plex advantage

With single-round cocktail staining and imaging across 20 channels in a single round, Orion delivers the biomarker depth, throughput, panel flexibility, and data quality that clinical and translational research demands.

Biomarker Depth

Resolve tissue microenvironments with panels incorporating phenotypic, functional and structural biomarkers
Preserve precious clinical samples by measuring multiple predictive and prognostic markers on a single tissue section

High Throughput

High-capacity automation and parallel workflow for large cohort studies and multi-user environments
Scalable platform supporting biomarker development from validation through clinical trials
Ultra-high-speed scanning for whole slide and high volume

Rapid, Flexible Panel Development

Extensive portfolio of Orion antibody conjugates — assemble in any combination
Simple conjugation chemistry enables easy incorporation of your custom biomarkers
Single-round staining eliminates staining order complexity, accelerating panel development

Quantitative Data You Can Trust

Single-round staining preserves tissue and antigen integrity
Ultra-bright dyes combined with high-powered laser excitation ensures detection of low expression biomarkers
Standard pathology protocols and direct conjugate staining ensures reproducible results

"We are excited to offer multiplex immunofluorescence for clinical trial biomarker testing leveraging the powerful Orion HT technology. As pioneers in multiplex immunofluorescence for clinical trials, this technology will enable us to efficiently run 18-plex assays in a regulated setting."

Jennifer Bordeaux, PhD

Associate Director, Digital Pathology Solutions | Navigate Biopharma Solutions, Inc.

Learn how Navigate Biopharma validated a 17-plex panel for clinical trials ➝

A complete spatial proteomics platform

Precision Instruments

20 channels in a single imaging round
>100 slides per week
Up to 30-slide automation
High-speed whole slide scanning
Sub-micron resolution
High-powered laser excitation

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Validated Reagents

>500 products; >200 biomarkers
Single-round cocktail staining
IHC-validated
Bright, photostable, long shelf life
Low per-slide run cost
Rapid, custom panel design

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Data Analysis

On-board segmentation and feature calculation
Batch analysis in parallel to imaging
Advanced visualization tools
Remote access for ROI annotation and classification
OMERO Plus data management

Advancing biomarkers for response, prognosis, and patient stratification

Any Tissue. Any Indication. 20 Channels in a Single Round.

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"Every Pathology field has a set of molecular questions that have remained unanswered, and now we have the tool that can provide the answers."

Dr. Sandro Santagata, MD, PhD

Associate Director, Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology | Harvard Medical School

High-capacity workflow for large studies
and multi-user environments

By enabling batch staining and allowing scanning and analysis to run in parallel, Orion maximizes workflow efficiency. Its high-capacity scanning automation continuously generates quantitative data, supporting streamlined execution of high volume studies.

Large and/or multiple specimens per slide with >8 cm2 imaging area
Single AR condition for all biomarkers, enabling flexible mix-and-match approach to panel design
FFPE and fresh frozen samples

All biomarkers at once with cocktail of direct conjugates
Compatible with automated stainers, but also easy to stain manually
Stained slides stable for at least a year for workflow convenience

20 channels in a single scan, at high speed and submicron resolution
24/7 unattended operation with 30-slide automation
Can perform same slide H&E or additional informed biomarker staining and imaging rounds

Quantitative data output for comparisons across specimens and treatment groups
Segmentation and Feature Calculation performed in parallel to imaging
Automated QC reports to track and flag key performance indicators

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Research Spotlight

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Neoadjuvant botensilimab plus balstilimab response characterized with Orion spatial biomarker analysis

Pashtoon Kasi, et al.

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Spatial Biomarker Panels for Clinical Trials

Jennifer Bordeaux, PhD
Associate Director, Digital Pathology Services, Navigate Biopharma Services, Inc.

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High-plex immunofluorescence imaging and traditional histology of the same tissue section for discovering …

Jia-Ren Lin, et al.

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Exploring new frontiers in pancreatic cancer treatment with spatial biology

Yana Zavros, PhD
Professor, University of Georgia School of Medicine

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NCI-Funded Tool Combines Imaging Modalities to Aid Pathologists and Machine Learning (ML)

National Cancer Institute

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Accelerating Data and Throughput in Spatial Imaging: A Core Facility Perspective

Zbigniew Mikulski, PhD
Director of Microscopy and Instructor, La Jolla Institute for Immunology

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Get started with Orion

Talk to a specialist about how Orion can accelerate your spatial biomarker program.

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Orion™ Spatial Proteomics

The only platform designed for spatial biomarker development at clinical scale

Spatial proteomics for precision therapeutics