Integrated DNA Technologies Acquires Belgian Manufacturer RNA-TEC; Purchase Expands IDT's Large-Scale RNA Synthesis Capabilities; Builds Presence In European Markets.

CORALVILLE, Iowa -- Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), a world leader in oligonucleotide production for life science research, today announced the acquisition of RNA-TEC, based in Leuven, Belgium. The acquisition broadens IDT's capabilities in the specialized large-scale RNA synthesis and purification areas and adds RNA-TEC's talented team, led by Dr. Brian Sproat, to IDT's strong pool of scientists.

Dr. Sproat and his colleagues will bolster IDT's offerings in the RNA field, particularly in satisfying the increasing demand for scale-up of IDT's proprietary Dicer-Substrate RNAi (DsiRNA) compounds for large screens and animal studies, as well as with their ribozyme and DNA/RNA aptamer products.

IDT's new 'Dicector' Dicer-Substrate siRNA product line is becoming increasingly popular in RNAi research. Dicer-Substrate (DsiRNA) designs deliver up to 100-fold increased potency over first-generation 21-mer siRNA, making it a powerful tool for researchers.

"We've seen substantial growth in demand for Dicer-Substrate compounds in the multi-gram range for in-vivo studies," noted Trey Martin, chief operating officer of IDT. "Dr. Sproat's team from RNA-TEC brings industry-leading synthesis and purification experience in this area and we're excited to have them as part of the IDT family."

In addition to answering the call for larger scale versions of IDT's key RNAi compounds, the acquisition of RNA-TEC, a spin-off company of the University of Leuven, also facilitates IDT's planned expansion into Europe. The company intends to update and expand the infrastructure at RNA-TEC's headquarters in Belgium.

"Combining our key abilities with IDT's industry-leading team is going to pay significant dividends to the research market," added Dr. Brian Sproat, chief scientific officer at RNA-TEC. "Becoming part of the IDT family allows us to contribute to their innovative approach and continuing growth, as well as bringing us into the fold of one of the world's leading supporters of life science research."

RNA-TEC (set up in 2000 from the laboratory in medical chemistry headed by professor Piet Herdewijn at the Rega Institute) began operations with the financial support of K.U.Leuven and Gemma Frisius Fund (GFF). According to Dr. Raf Moons, a former director at RNA-TEC, GFF and K.U.Leuven Research & Development have been "instrumental in closing the deal," with Integrated DNA Technologies.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.