Biotech Company Changes Name to Intrexon Corporation; Genomatix Corporation Today Announced That It Has Changed Its Corporate Name to Intrexon Corporation.

ROANOKE, Va. -- Genomatix Corporation today announced that it has changed its corporate name to Intrexon Corporation. The company did so for strategic purposes.

Intrexon provides genetic tools for characterization and modulation of bio-molecular interactions. The new name is derived from the terms "intron" and "exon", which together encompass the key components of a primary gene transcript. The transcript subsequently becomes messenger RNA through a natural splicing process in which selected introns are removed and exons joined. The resulting mRNA molecule represents the finished code from which a cell can produce a specific protein variant.

"Much of the functional complexity in cellular systems is accomplished through subtle variations in proteins and their corresponding interactions," states Robert Beech, CEO of Intrexon. "Characterizing and modulating those interactions often requires the use of highly specialized protein agents, many of which must be produced within the target cell itself. Our tools deliver genetic instructions to cells, causing them to produce specific protein agents for characterizing and modulating targeted molecular interactions. Introns and exons play a central role in those instructions, providing the basis for our new name."

According to Thomas Reed, Ph.D., Intrexon's Chief Science Officer, the new name also aligns well with the company's UltraVector(TM) tool-making system, which enables dynamic assembly and exchange of genetic modules: "We produce transgenes composed of interchangeable genetic modules, including specialized genetic units encoded with natural introns and exons. Our UltraVector(TM) architecture enables us to capture, store, and reuse those modules to produce a wide variety of novel transgene combinations for our research customers."

Intrexon Corporation offers both stock and custom genetic tools that help life scientists discover and modulate specific molecular interactions. The company is currently developing a line of tools that modulate protein-protein interactions in precise subcellular locations. Spatially-dependent, protein-protein interactions play an important role in cell signaling and represent promising therapeutics targets for critical human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiac failure and obesity. General information is available at the company's website, www.intrexon.com. Information about the company's subcellular tools is available at www.subcellular.com. The company will retain the Genomatix moniker for use as the name of an ancillary division that produces custom targeting vectors.