Illumina invests in Desktop Genetics’ technology to support the platform’s integration with NGS pipelines and improve CRISPR genome editing workflows
LONDON & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2015-- Desktop Genetics Ltd (“DTG” or “the Company”), a software company revolutionizing the way biologists use CRISPR gene editing technology, announced today that it has received investment funding from Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), the global leader in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The investment will be used to fund the continued development and commercialization of the DESKGEN platform with a particular focus on integration with NGS pipelines.
The investment from Illumina follows DTG’s recent fundraising from a syndicate of venture capitalists and angel investors. This combined funding is being used to continue developing DTG’s proprietary DESKGEN genome editing software platform and core CRISPR algorithms. DTG is also investing in the expansion of its existing sales infrastructure and expanding marketing efforts to drive adoption of the technology across the industry.
The DESKGEN platform makes CRISPR gene editing more predictable, accessible and efficient, providing scientists with the capabilities they need to scale their genomics research. Users are walked through every step of the CRISPR gene editing process with a suite of lab-validated algorithms derived from leading peer-reviewed research and industry expertise. With DESKGEN, researchers can access the latest advances, algorithms and expertise in CRISPR gene editing as new techniques are invented, enhancing their productivity and reducing the time and cost of gene editing.
Through partnerships with specialist service-providers including Transcriptic and Horizon Discovery, DTG offers CRISPR library design, synthesis and screening services, for high-throughput cell line engineering services in the cloud. To date, the DESKGEN platform has enabled over 2,000 gene editing experiments and has driven thousands of users to design and access the optimal reagents for their research.
Riley Doyle, CEO of DTG, commented: “We are delighted that Illumina has decided to invest in DTG, in recognition of the value our DESKGEN platform and software development expertise can add to CRISPR-based genome editing programs and next-generation sequencing applications.”
Nicholas Naclerio, Ph.D., SVP of Corporate and Venture Development at Illumina, commented: “We have been impressed by DTG’s proprietary DESKGEN platform for CRISPR-based gene editing. CRISPR is becoming increasingly important for NGS applications, and we are pleased to support DTG in executing their vision to build this market.”
About Desktop Genetics, Ltd www.deskgen.com
Desktop Genetics develops technologies at the intersection of biotechnology, software and laboratory automation. The company is staffed by molecular biologists and computer scientists and has developed the DESKGEN platform, an intuitive and powerful system that supports the optimal design, construction, management, and purchase of the DNA, reagents and services important in gene editing and molecular biology. Through its platform, the company is enabling “literal Desktop Genetics”, a process that researchers can use to design CRISPR gene editing experiments, purchase reagents and find commercial entities to execute those experiments - and obtain results - without them having their own specialist laboratories. The Company is currently working with several recognized leaders in the gene editing field, including Editas Medicine, Horizon Discovery, Transcriptic, and enEvolv.
About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as the global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit www.illumina.com and follow @illumina.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
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Source: Illumina, Inc.
At Desktop Genetics:
Lorna Cuddon, Zyme Communications
+44 (0)7811 996 942
lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com
or
Victor B Dillard, COO and Founder
victord@desktopgenetics.com
or
At Illumina:
Investors:
Rebecca Chambers, 858-255-5243
rchambers@illumina.com
or
Media:
Jennifer Temple, 858-882-6822
pr@illumina.com
