Synthetic Genomics Inc. Purchases Patent Portfolio from Febit Holding GmbH

LA JOLLA, Calif., Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI), a privately held company developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to solve a range of global challenges, today announced they have purchased from Febit Holding GmbH the worldwide rights to three families of patents and patent applications related to key synthetic genomic technologies. All related know-how, equipment and technical support for implementation, were also purchased.

This newly acquired SGI technology includes methods for highly parallelized, low-cost oligonucleotide synthesis and retrieval of sequence-validated DNA.  Together, these technologies have the potential to drastically reduce the cost of DNA synthesis, a technical problem the synthetic biology community has faced since the first synthetic gene was produced forty years ago.

"The intellectual property from Febit will strengthen and accelerate SGI's ongoing development and commercialization of a variety of products including algae-based food and nutritional products, biofuels, biochemicals, synthetic vaccines and clean water," said J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, SGI. "The ability to construct accurate and inexpensive DNA, together with our current proprietary DNA assembly and genome transplantation methodologies, enable enhanced capacity to synthesize DNA and reprogram cells at a larger scale than what is currently achievable."

The newly acquired SGI patent families include seven issued United States and European patents covering methods to produce polymers, specifically double stranded, synthetic nucleic acids from a variety of oligonucleotides on a solid support; and methods for retrieving sequence verified synthetic nucleic acids following assembly on solid supports.  These methods can be used to quickly synthesize genetic components in parallel, and then selectively assemble the components having the perfect sequence into double stranded genes and larger DNA constructs with minimal errors.

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.

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

SOURCE Synthetic Genomics Inc.