ArcherDX Acquires Baby Genes, a Genetics-Based Personalized Medicine Company
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ArcherDX, Inc., a molecular technology company dedicated to developing breakthrough solutions that advance the application of personalized genomic medicine, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Baby Genes, Inc, a privately held CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory focused on empowering individuals to take charge of their health through genetic insights. Baby Genes will continue to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary under the name ArcherDX Clinical Services, Inc. and the company will continue to market the suite of existing newborn and carrier screening genetic testing services under the Baby Genes™ brand name.
The Baby Genes acquisition adds valuable new assets to ArcherDX, including the CLIA-certified, CAP accredited genetics laboratory in Golden, Colorado with a test menu including a supplemental newborn screening panel that interrogates over 100 genes covering more than 72 clinically-actionable, inherited conditions as well as pre-defined carrier screening tests that include full-gene sequencing for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Fragile X Syndrome. In addition, the laboratory also offers customized confirmatory and reflex genetic testing services to physicians.
"We have a long, positive working relationship with Baby Genes and from day one we saw natural alignment between the two organizations regarding our shared commitment to accelerating the adoption and application of personalized health," said Jason Myers, co-founder and chief executive officer of ArcherDX. "Archer's mission is to democratize personalized medicine and decentralization of testing is fundamentally important to the success of personalized medicine because of the efficiencies and accuracies that are gained when testing is done locally. The addition of a CLIA/CAP accredited lab enables our mission, not through centralizing testing, rather to allow us to extend our capabilities in the genetic testing market, improve our ability to understand and anticipate our customers' needs – especially those customers looking to implement NGS for the first time or expand NGS capabilities, and to enhance our biopharma partner co-development capabilities."
Following the transaction, ArcherDX Clinical Services, Inc. will leverage the existing ArcherDX research and development functions in Boulder, Colorado while all commercial profiling services for both companies will be consolidated in the Golden, Colorado laboratory. Finally, Richard Sjogren, previously the co-founder and chief executive officer at Baby Genes, will join ArcherDX's senior management team as vice president of operations.
"We are looking forward to working with the broader ArcherDX team to expand the scope and availability of our proactive genetic health tests," said Richard Sjogren. "We see tremendous growth opportunities ahead as we continue to partner with innovative scientists, health care professionals and proactive individuals to make a difference in extending and improving the quality of life."
About ArcherDX
ArcherDX is advancing molecular pathology with a robust technology platform for genetic mutation detection by next-generation sequencing. By combining patented Anchored Multiplexed PCR (AMP™) chemistry in an easy-to-use, lyophilized format and powerful bioinformatics software, the Archer® platform dramatically enhances genetic mutation identification and discovery. ArcherDX provides oncology-focused research products and is pursuing regulatory approval for multiple companion diagnostic assays. ArcherDX also recently received Breakthrough Device Designation with a Companion Diagnostic Assay for both Liquid Biopsy and Tissue Specimens by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Learn more at archerdx.com. Learn more about Baby Genes™ at babygenes.com.
ArcherDX is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.
SOURCE ArcherDX
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