Biosearch Technologies Acquires European Companies VitraBio and DNA Technology

Biosearch Technologies, Inc. (Novato, CA, USA), a leading supplier of customized oligonucleotides, specialty amidites, and CPGs (controlled-pore glass) to the research and diagnostics markets, has acquired the oligonucleotide manufacturing division of the company DNA Technology, A/S (Aarhus, Denmark) and CPG manufacturer VitraBio, GmbH (Steinach, Germany).

Biosearch, with the acquisition of DNA Technology, has added a highly accomplished production team with a quality system and an established European customer base concentrated in the Nordic countries. DNA Technology is focused on the production of modified oligos, and will take advantage of the full access to the range of specialty modifications generated by Biosearch. Furthermore, Biosearch will provide cutting edge manufacturing applications and access to its large intellectual property (IP) range, enabling DNA Technology to expand production capabilities and product range to better serve a growing customer base.

With the acquisition of German controlled-pore glass (CPG) manufacturer VitraBio in September 2011, Biosearch gains control over VitraBio’s sophisticated CPG manufacturing technology and innovative production facility, which expands its already extensive range of oligo synthesis tools and processes. Biosearch plans to bring chemical manufacturing capabilities to VitraBio’s Steinach facility to enhance existing US production of specialty amidites and modified CPGs, in addition to continuing production of DNA/RNA synthesis supports for the research and therapeutic oligo markets.

The acquisition of DNA Technology and VitraBio denotes Biosearch’s increasing focus on supporting European biotechnology and diagnostic markets. Furthermore, Biosearch has secured significant manufacturing redundancy for its North American operations as well as a strong base from which to expand sales, production, and regulated contract-manufacturing capabilities throughout Europe.

Established in 1992, DNA Technology is a provider of custom-made synthetic oligonucleotides in the Nordic countries. A key focus of the company is the production of highly modified synthetic DNA and RNA to serve life science research and healthcare markets. The company is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified, and first certified to the ISO 9002 standard in 1997. DNA Technology moved in 2007 to a newly renovated facility in Risskov, a suburban district of the city of Aarhus.

Founded in 2003, VitraBio is an ISO 9001:2008-certified company and it is one of the few who possess the expertise and IP range to manufacture highly specialized controlled-pore glass (CPG) typically utilized as a support in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. The manufacturing plant is suited for large-scale manufacturing of CPGs and phosphoramidites and provides ample space for continued expansion of production activities.

Biosearch Technologies is an ISO 9001:2008-certified company founded in 1993, Biosearch is focused on the design, development, and manufacture of advanced oligonucleotide-based tools. Products include fluorophores (CAL Fluor, Quasar, and Pulsar dyes) and dark quenchers (Black Hole Quencher dyes) to be included in custom-synthesized probe formats for real-time, quantitative PCR, Stellaris RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and other genomic-based applications. Biosearch’s markets include pharmaceutical, in vitro diagnostic, biotechnology, ag/bio, environmental and food testing, public health, and biodefense sectors.

Related Links:
Biosearch Technologies
DNA Technology
VitraBio