OraSure Technologies to Purchase DNA Genotek for US$53 Million

OraSure Technologies, Inc. (Bethlehem, PA, USA) will acquire privately held DNA Genotek Inc. (Ottawa, Canada), a leading provider of oral fluid sample collection, stabilization, and preparation products for molecular diagnostic applications. The transaction valued at approximately US$53 million is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2011.

The acquisition of DNA Genotek will strengthen OraSure’s leadership in oral fluid diagnostics, by providing a complementary portfolio of products that enable easy and reliable collection, stabilization, transportation, and storage of high quality nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) samples. These samples can then be used for a wide range of diagnostic and research applications.

The Oragene•DNA sample collection kit is DNA Genotek's lead product, providing an all-in-one system for the collection, stabilization, transportation and purification of DNA from saliva. Genetic samples are collected using a simple, noninvasive method; collected samples may be transported and stored for extended periods at ambient temperatures.

DNA Genotek products are used in clinical genetic testing, pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, academic research, animal genetics, and livestock genetics markets. DNA Genotek is a leading provider of oral fluid collection devices to the direct-to-consumer personal genetics testing market. The company supplies products that provide substantial advantages over traditional methods of sampling such as blood or buccal swabs.

OraSure Technologies is a leader in the development, manufacture, and distribution of oral fluid diagnostic devices and other technologies designed to diagnose critical medical conditions and diseases. Its innovative products include rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) at the point of care (POC) and testing solutions for detecting various drugs of abuse.

OraSure’s products are sold globally to various clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations, and other public health organizations, distributors, government agencies, physicians' offices, and commercial and industrial entities.

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OraSure Technologies, Inc.
DNA Genotek Inc.