Synthetic Genomics, Inc. and Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. Sign Agreement to Manufacture, Market, and Commercialize Small Synthetic Gene Products Using SGI Technology

LA JOLLA, Calif. and CORALVILLE, Iowa, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), a privately held company commercializing and developing genomic-driven solutions to solve a variety of global needs, and Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (IDT), the world leader in production and supply of oligonucleotides, today 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.

About Synthetic Genomics Inc.
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. SGI is also involved in synthetically derived vaccine development through Synthetic Genomic Vaccines Inc. (SGVI), a company co-founded with the J. Craig Venter Institute; and to developing sustainable crops and agricultural products through Agradis Inc., a company co-founded with Plenus S.A. de C.V. For more information go to: www.syntheticgenomics.com.

About IDT
Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (IDT) is the largest supplier of custom nucleic acids in the world, serving the areas of academic research, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics and pharmaceutical development. IDT's primary business is the manufacture of custom primers, probes, and genes for research and diagnostic applications. Today, IDT synthesizes and ships an average of 36,000 custom oligos per day to more than 86,000 customers worldwide. IDT manufacturing locations include facilities in Coralville, Iowa; San Diego, Calif.; and Leuven, Belgium. For more information, visit www.idtdna.com.

SGI Media Contact:
Heather Kowalski, [email protected], 858-361-0466

IDT Media Contact:
Stephen Gunstream, [email protected], 319-626-9696

SOURCE Synthetic Genomics Inc.