Synthetic Genomics and Gen9 Sign Licensing Agreement for Synthetic Biology Technology Patents

LA JOLLA, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), a synthetic biology company advancing and innovating genomic science and technologies for transformative products and solutions, and Gen9 Inc., a pioneer in synthetic biology and leader in the development of scalable technologies for synthesizing and assembling DNA, today announced a strategic licensing agreement to leverage their respective strengths in synthetic biology technology development and commercialization.  The agreement provides Gen9 Inc. with a non-exclusive worldwide license to SGI's Febit intellectual property estate. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

In 2012, SGI 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 technology included methods for highly parallelized, low-cost oligonucleotide synthesis and retrieval of sequence-validated DNA.  SGI has been using the Febit technology internally in development of key gene synthesis applications.

"We see great value in the Febit IP for companies like Gen9 to increase efficiencies in their manufacturing platforms for the benefit of their customers," said Nathan Wood, Synthetic Genomics Senior Vice President and President of SGI-DNA, Reagents and Instruments. "We look forward to working with Gen9 and with other companies who are interested in licensing this important family of synthetic biology technology patents."

"We are excited to announce this agreement with Synthetic Genomics.  As we continue to develop novel applications that leverage our BioFab® platform, we are always seeking to identify new technologies and collaborate with innovative partners in the synthetic biology field," said Kevin Munnelly, President and CEO of Gen9.

About Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI)
SGI is a privately-held company dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address a wide range of global challenges. The company is focused on several key commercialization programs including developing new synthetic DNA products, tools and instruments through its subsidiary, SGI-DNA; new and improved algae based food and nutritional products, and biofuels through its subsidiary Genovia Bio; and synthetically-derived vaccines and anti-microbials through Synthetic Genomic Vaccines Inc. (SGVI), a business unit co-founded with the J. Craig Venter Institute. The company is also developing clean water technologies using microbial fuel cells and is developing sustainable agricultural products through AgraCast, a company co-founded with Plenus S.A. de C.V.  For more information go to: www.syntheticgenomics.com

About Gen9
Gen9 is the premier next-generation gene synthesis company focused on high-quality, high-throughput, automated production of DNA constructs. The Gen9 technology allows for the lowest-cost and highest-quality DNA constructs commercially available. Founded by world leaders in synthetic biology, Gen9 aims to ensure the constructive application of synthetic biology in industries ranging from enzyme and chemical production to pharmaceuticals and biofuels. Gen9 is powering the synthetic biology revolution from our headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Visit Gen9 at www.gen9bio.com.

Gen9, GeneBit, GeneByte and BioFab are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gen9, Inc. All other brands may be trademarks of their respective holders.

Media Contacts:

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

SGI-DNA: Mary Canady, 858-433-4994, [email protected]

Gen9: Colin Sanford, 203-918-4347, [email protected]

SOURCE Synthetic Genomics, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.syntheticgenomics.com