Pharmaceutical Business review

ZyGEM and VWR International sign distribution agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, VWR will have exclusive rights to distribute ZyGEM’s DNA extraction products to the life science research, forensic, diagnostic, agriculture and animal health markets in North America and South America.

ZyGEM’s DNA extraction technology uses a proprietary thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. ZyGEM’s approach significantly reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimizing error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples. It is easily adaptable for use with virtually all off-the-shelf laboratory automation systems.

The technology can be specifically formulated for use with a wide range of different sample types without the need for further purification. ZyGEM’s technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications including forensic analysis.

Paul Kinnon, CEO of ZyGEM, said: “Our DNA extraction technology represents a breakthrough in simplicity, cost-effectiveness, speed and accuracy, and we are delighted at this agreement with VWR to make these versatile kits readily available to scientists in the Americas. We believe this technology is transforming and expect that greater access to our DNA extraction kits will facilitate the growing use of genetic analyses in diverse applications.”