Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. Acquires Synthegen, Inc.

Oligonucleotide Specialty Manufacturing Business Brings Broader Service Options to IDT Customer Base

Coralville, IA - Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) announces the completion of its acquisition of Houston, TX based custom oligonucleotide supplier Synthegen, Inc. Illustrating its commitment to continued growth, this latest acquisition by Coralville, Iowa based IDT – a supplier of custom nucleic acids in the U.S. – further expands the company's expertise in the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides.

The acquisition of Synthegen, an organization noted for its skill in synthesizing, labeling and purifying modified oligonucleotides, follows IDT's recent purchase of San Diego, CA based GenBase, Inc. and the opening of the company's first satellite production center.

"Synthegen has developed significant skills and abilities that target the specialty oligo market," said Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. COO Trey Martin. "This acquisition allows us to merge that expertise with IDT's industry-leading quality and QC systems. It also brings the Synthegen product range to a wider market, and ensures that our customers continue to benefit from the widest selection, highest service level, and most reliable and consistent delivery of custom oligos available anywhere."

Synthegen, started in 1996 by David Colvin, built its strong reputation by specializing in the synthesis and purification of modified custom oligonucleotides. Key modifications offered by the company include several fluorescent dyes, molecular beacons, quenching fluorogenic probes, and antisense oligos with modified bases, among others.

"Our success over the last 10 years clearly played a central role in the development of this deal," said David Colvin, president of Synthegen. "And as our customer segment is smaller and more specialized than IDT's, we were delighted to discover that they share our belief that the customer is the most important part of what we do. We know that the needs of our clients will be well served, and that this deal will deliver significant benefits for them." Colvin is working with Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. to support the seamless transition of the Synthegen product line into IDT's portfolio.

In addition to being the largest supplier of custom nucleic acids in the U.S., IDT also provides industry-leading turnaround times supported by extensive technical and customer service. In large measure, IDT's strong reputation and on-going success are a result of this keen customer focus, as well as of its industry leading quality control and assurance mechanisms.

From its headquarters in Coralville and its satellite offices in Illinois, Toronto, and Israel, as well as its production facility in San Diego, CA, IDT serves the areas of academic research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development by manufacturing custom nucleic acids for use in life sciences research.

SOURCE: Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT)