Synthetic Genomics and IDNA to Develop Synthetic Gene Products

February 6, 2012
AlgaeIndustryMagazine.com

ynthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), and Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (IDT), the world leader in production and supply of oligonucleotides, have jointly announced that they have entered into an agreement to manufacture, market, and commercialize small synthetic gene products. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Specifically, SGI and IDT will work together to construct custom, synthetic, double-stranded nucleic acids up to 5 kb. IDT will use its custom oligonucleotide manufacturing expertise, including its recently launched gBlocks Gene Fragments product line, in combination with SGI’s proprietary technologies to efficiently assemble small gene constructs.

“We believe that our agreement with IDT is a key component to advance our synthetic DNA business,” said J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SGI. “We look forward to working with the market leader IDT in developing important products for the life sciences community.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with Synthetic Genomics. Through this collaboration we plan to apply SGI’s cutting edge technologies to create more affordable, efficient gene synthesis products that can be delivered more quickly to the synthetic biology community,” added Dr. Joe Walder, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, IDT.

In May 2010 J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) researchers announced the successful construction of the first self-replicating synthetic bacterial cell, work that took years to complete and was enabled only through development of new tools and technologies. SGI sponsored this work at JCVI and controls the licensing of the technologies.

SGI, a privately held company founded in 2005, is dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address a wide range of global challenges. The company is focused on several key research and business programs including: developing algae biofuels in alliance with Exxon Mobil Research and Engineering Company, microbial-enhanced hydrocarbon recovery and conversion through an agreement with BP, new and improved food and nutritional products, and clean water technologies.

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