Reducing supply chain dependencies for viral sequencing using ARTIC-HELP workflows

This study presents ARTIC HELP (Homebrew Enzymes for Library Preparation), an open-source adaptation of the ARTIC nanopore sequencing protocol designed to overcome supply chain barriers in viral genomic surveillance. We provide enzyme substitutions for key steps in tiling RT-PCR and ONT native barcoding workflows, enabling flexible implementation in diverse laboratory settings. The HELP workflow was validated on clinical samples of SARS-CoV-2 and Norovirus GII, demonstrating comparable genome recovery to the ARTIC LoCost protocol. This approach supports more equitable, locally adaptable viral genomic surveillance in preparation for future public health challenges.