The technology acquired from LI-COR is said to broaden Pacific Biosciences’ existing intellectual property related to the SMRT (single molecule real time), sequencing method. Sequencing by incorporation generally identifies nucleotides in a DNA sequence based upon synthesis of a complementary DNA strand.
The acquisition includes a significant portfolio of key intellectual property developed under LI-COR’s single molecule sequencing program, including a number of issued US and foreign patents as well as a number of pending US applications.
LI-COR retained rights to its intellectual property for the sequencing enzymes that were designed for sequencing by polymerase synthesis, and LI-COR has an active program to out-license its enzymes. The acquisition also includes ongoing opportunities to collaborate with the LI-COR scientists on its sequencing enzymes.
William Biggs, LI-COR’s president and CEO, said: “We look forward to future collaborations and see the potential for our long history in DNA sequencing and expertise in enzymes and dye development to be of tremendous value to the relationship.”