Eurofins Genomics US Acquires Blue Heron Biotech to Enhance Gene Synthesis Capabilities

On August 6, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned that Eurofins Genomics US had acquired the biotechnology company Blue Heron Biotech; specific transaction details have not been disclosed.

Following this acquisition, Eurofins Genomics US will enhance its product supply capabilities in the gene synthesis market, while Blue Heron Biotech will strengthen its production capacity. This collaboration holds significant importance for both Eurofins Genomics US and Blue Heron Biotech, given the intrinsic connections between their core products: oligonucleotides, sequencing services, and synthetic genes.

Blue Heron Biotech, established in 1999 and headquartered in the United States, is a leader in the gene synthesis market. The company possesses gene synthesis and gene subcloning technologies capable of providing synthetic DNA to the top 20 global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Blue Heron’s gene synthesis capabilities offer comprehensive product solutions to the molecular biology research community and enable the successful construction of larger gene constructs that other suppliers cannot produce.

Blue Heron Biotech’s proprietary GeneMaker® is a unique and powerful automated gene synthesis platform. Unlike conventional synthesis methods that rely on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), GeneMaker® integrates novel technologies to enhance analysis speed, accuracy, and ease of use, making it an excellent alternative to Applied Biosystems’ Genotyper® and GeneScan® systems. Running on the Windows® operating system (XP, Vista, 7, or 8), GeneMaker® simplifies operational procedures. As the GeneMaker® manufacturing process is fully automated, Blue Heron can scale up production according to its needs. Through the GeneMaker® platform, Blue Heron Biotech can synthesize virtually any gene. Customers can place gene orders with Blue Heron directly via its online website, where transaction details and data are encrypted to the highest standards to protect user privacy.

Eurofins Genomics US, established in 1987 and headquartered in Luxembourg, is a global leader in genomic services, specializing in DNA sequencing, gene synthesis, genotyping, and bioinformatics. With offices and production facilities across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Eurofins serves a diverse clientele spanning the life sciences, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, food, agriculture, and biotechnology sectors worldwide. The company is the fastest provider of DNA oligonucleotides and Sanger sequencing in the United States, a distinction largely attributable to Eurofins’ proprietary synthesis technologies and unique logistical advantages. In today’s highly competitive life sciences industry, turnaround time (TAT) is a critical factor.

Dr. Gilles Martin, CEO of Eurofins, stated: “We warmly welcome Blue Heron Biotech into the Eurofins Group. This acquisition significantly strengthens Eurofins’ gene synthesis capabilities and further advances our scientific research.”

(Compiled by Hu Yifan)