OriGene Acquires Sdix Life-Science Business

Rockville, Md.-based OriGene Technologies Inc. has agreed to purchase the life-science business of Sdix, a biotechnology company based in Newark, Del. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but is expected to close in the second quarter of 2013 subject to Sdix’s shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions.

“We anticipate the combination of Sdix with OriGene will enhance our ability to continue to develop the most comprehensive collection of high-quality monoclonal antibodies for key applications both in research and diagnostics fields,” said Wei-Wu He, Ph.D., OriGene’s chairman and CEO. “Sdix’s over 20 years of antibody development and production expertise will complement OriGene’s existing high-throughput monoclonal antibody capacity to develop the highest quality antibodies such as Ultramab.”

According to OriGene, the acquisition is hoped to provide a comprehensive collection of immunization strategies for antibody development using full-length mammalian produced protein and genetic immunization technologies to create high quality monoclonal antibodies. The company also expects to expand its antibody and in-vitro diagnostics reagent product and services capabilities.

OriGene Technologies provides genome-wide research and diagnostic products. Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies that are made by identical immune cells that are all clones of a unique parent cell, in contrast to polyclonal antibodies which are made from several different immune cells.

Sdix makes antigens, antibodies and assays for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets. It’s life-sciences business is focused on discovering disease mechanisms, facilitating development of new drugs and providing antibodies and assays for the diagnosis of disease.