--Exclusive Agreement for the Americas Will Ensure Scientists Can Easily Access ZyGEM’s Growing Line of DNA Extraction Kits--
--ZyGEM’s Technology Enables Lower-Cost Extractions and Is Ideally Suited to Automation and High Throughput Applications--
SOLANA BEACH, Calif. and HAMILTON, New Zealand, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- ZyGEM Corp. Ltd. and VWR International, LLC today announced that they have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for ZyGEM’s innovative DNA extraction kits. Under the terms of the agreement, VWR will have exclusive rights to distribute ZyGEM’s DNA extraction products to the life science research, forensic, diagnostic, agriculture and animal health markets in North America and South America. VWR, a global laboratory supply and distribution company with worldwide sales of $3.5 billion, enables the advancement of the world’s most critical research through the distribution of a highly diversified product line to most of the world’s top pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as industrial, educational and governmental organizations.
“Our DNA extraction technology represents a breakthrough in simplicity, cost-effectiveness, speed and accuracy, and we are delighted at this agreement with VWR to make these versatile kits readily available to scientists in the Americas,” said Paul Kinnon, CEO of ZyGEM. “We believe this technology is transforming and expect that greater access to our DNA extraction kits will facilitate the growing use of genetic analyses in diverse applications. This is the most significant in a series of recent ZyGEM agreements intended to increase access to our cutting-edge products, and we look forward to working with VWR to support the wide availability of these innovative products.”
ZyGEM’s technology uses a proprietary thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. ZyGEM’s approach significantly reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimizing error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples. It is easily adaptable for use with virtually all off-the-shelf laboratory automation systems. The technology can be specifically formulated for use with a wide range of different sample types without the need for further purification. ZyGEM’s technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications including forensic analysis.
Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About ZyGEM’s DNA Extraction Kits
prepGEM(TM) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from animal tissue samples for life science research, animal testing and traceability, selective breeding and other animal health and agricultural applications. prepGEM(TM) kits enable high-throughput DNA extraction of 384 samples in less than 30 minutes. They contain reagents that have been optimized for downstream PCR-based applications including quantitative PCR, genotyping using STRs or SNPs, RFLP analyses, etc. prepGEM(TM) kits are proven on a range of animal samples including blood, micro-biopsies (ear tags), meat, rat tails, fish, fish tails and insects.
forensicGEM(TM) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from crime scene and other sample sources, providing PCR-ready, forensic grade DNA for 96 samples in just 20 minutes. The one-tube forensicGEM(TM) process is simple to use and easy to automate with current robotic platforms, making it ideal for database testing as well as case work samples. All reagents are rigorously quality controlled to test for efficacy and for the absence of human DNA. forensicGEM(TM) kits are validated for forensic analysis.
livestockGEM(TM) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from a range of animal sample types without the need for further purification, including ear punch microbiopsies, saliva and hair, as well as from blood and saliva DNA storage cards. Using ZyGEM’s technology, both experienced and novice staff can prepare DNA samples up to three times faster than with existing products--the kits provide PCR-ready DNA for 96 samples in just 20 minutes with no hands-on attention required. livestockGEM(TM) kits are easy to use and to automate for high-throughput applications using off-the-shelf robotic systems.
For more information on ZyGEM’s families of DNA extraction kits, visit http://zygem.com/Products/Products-Ovw.html or email info@zygem.com
About ZyGEM Corporation
ZyGEM Corporation Limited is a rapidly growing biotechnology company with a range of innovative enzyme-based products and technologies based on the company’s exclusive collection of microorganisms from extreme environments. ZyGEM’s technology has significant competitive advantages over existing methods and has potential applications in a number of sizeable global markets. ZyGEM currently produces DNA extraction and detection products, molecular biology enzymes and individual enzymes and diagnostics, serving life sciences customers in basic research, forensics, clinical diagnostics and agriculture. ZyGEM has facilities in New Zealand and the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.ZyGEM.com
CONTACT: Corporate: Paul Kinnon, President and CEO of ZyGEM Corp. Ltd.,
+1-858-720-8333, or Media: Barbara Lindheim, of GendeLLindheim BioCom
Partners, +1-212-918-4650
Web site: http://www.ZyGEM.com/
http://zygem.com/Products/Products-Ovw.html/
