DNA2.0 and Blue Sky Biotech are joining forces to provide customers with a seamless experience from gene synthesis to protein expression and purification. The companies believe that clients will benefit from efficiencies that result from enhancements to shared technology and integrated production platforms.
Blue Sky Biotech’s expertise in protein expression and purification services will be coupled with DNA2.0’s gene-synthesis experience. DNA2.0's services allow researchers to redesign entire gene sequences to maximize the likelihood of high protein expression, easy genetic manipulation, minimal promoter leakiness, and convenient protein purification.
“The combined expertise of DNA2.0 and Blue Sky provides a one-stop solution for research organizations of all sizes,” said Jeremy Minshull, Ph.D., president of DNA2.0. “By focusing on providing high-quality biological reagents, we enable researchers to focus on their areas of expertise.”
The companies are currently working on optimizing the baculovirus expression system, leveraging DNA2.0’s optimized codon bias algorithms and protein-expression vectors, Norman Garceau, Ph.D., president and CSO of Blue Sky, told GEN. The companies see many such opportunities going forward to combine their technologies to ensure higher protein-expression levels across various systems, Claes Gustafsson, vp of sales and marketing for DNA2.0, added.
Both Dr. Garceau and Gustafsson pointed out that over the years they have shared many clients, with customers wanting both gene synthesis and proteins. The companies have thus been contemplating a collaboration to better integrate their services and technologies for a while. “It is a great asset to have Blue Sky to express these proteins and purify them,” Gustafsson noted.
Dr. Garceau and Gustafsson explained that the aim of the alliance is to be as transparent as possible and ensure proper and full communication not only between the two companies but also with clients throughout projects. They state that clients will have many advantages including the ability to enjoy the attention of both DNA2.0 and Blue Sky as opposed to getting lost in a big contract research organization. DNA2.0 and Blue Sky will themselves benefit from the combination and enhancement of their technologies.
The deal comes about a month after Life Technologies decided to take over Geneart, another gene-synthesis company. Neither Dr. Garceau or Gustafsson view the Life Technologies acquisition as a threat. “We don’t focus on competition but on doing the best possible job we can do,” asserted Dr. Garceau, adding that there’s plenty of room for different companies as well as room to learn and benefit from eachother. Gustafsson pointed out that the bulk of Life Technologies’ business is centered on developing and selling tools, while DNA2.0 and Blue Sky are able to focus more on providing client services.