ZyGEM expands DNA extraction tech presence in Americas
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
New Zealand-based biotechnology company ZyGEM is to break into the Americas through an exclusive distribution deal with VWR International. Under the agreement, which Hamilton-based ZyGEM described as its "most significant" so far, VWR will distribute ZyGEM’s DNA extraction kits – prepGEM, forensicGEM and livestockGEM – to various markets, including clinical diagnostics, in North and South America. Solana Beach, California-based VWR supplies clinical lab products to pharmaceutical and biotech companies across the world, as well as to industrial, educational and governmental organisations. ZyGEM’s technology uses a proprietary thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. This approach is said to significantly reduce the time and cost of DNA extractions, while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimising error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples.