In February 2012, IDT and SGI began to co-manufacture and commercialize small synthetic gene products up to 5 kb, while IDT has also launched its gBlocks Gene Fragments product line, for use in combination with SGI’s proprietary DNA technologies, including Gibson Assembly.
The IDT and SGI technologies, which are already used in synthetic biology applications, substantially lowered DNA synthesis costs and made DNA assembly more efficient and reliable.
Both the firms are now expanding the collaboration to manufacture and co-brand cloned synthetic DNA constructs up to 2 Mbp, a new product offering, which was available never before.
The product will help to develop new applications including metabolic and whole genome engineering through de novo DNA synthesis.
SGI-DNA is manufacturing the synthetic DNA products and making them available through IDT, and is now IDT’s exclusive supplier of the larger DNA constructs.
The two companies will also work together on IDT’s launch of an expanded gBlocks Gene Fragment offering, expected to introduce later in 2013.
Apart from this, SGI is also planning to commercialize its SGI-DNA, which is responsible for all aspects of the development, manufacture, and commercialization of SGI’s synthetic DNA technology business.
SGI founder and chief executive officer Craig Venter said the firm over the last year, had improved its in-house gene synthesis business, and effectively worked together with IDT to co-manufacture and commercialize smaller synthetic gene products.
"We are excited about what we will accomplish through the expanded relationship with IDT, which combines SGI-DNA’s unique expertise with large, complex gene products and IDT’s experience in manufacturing and delivering small DNA products to customers around the globe."