DNA Electronics Buys nanoMR for $24M

NEW YORK(GenomeWeb) – Semiconductor DNA sequencing technology firm DNA Electronics today announced the completion of its acquisition of rare cell isolation firm nanoMR for a total cash consideration of $24 million. 

The deal was completed on Jan. 15 and the combined firm will have facilities in theUKand US operating under the DNAe brand. DNAe will integrate nanoMR's immunomagnetic Pathogen Capture System (PCS) with its own Genalysis PCR and semiconductor-based DNA sequencing technology to create a complete blood-to-result solution. 

PCS targets multiple rare cell types, including those in bacteria and fungi from bloodstream infections at levels of 1 cell/mL or lower in less than 30 minutes. PCS, DNAe and nanoMR said, is the "ideal sample preparation technology" for DNAe's rapid point-of-need diagnostic tests. 

DNAe's sequencing technology is licensed to Thermo Fisher Scientific and serves as the core of Ion Torrent's next-generation sequencing system. DNAe also licenses the technology to Geneu. 

The London-based firm said it is developing an integrated instrument and consumable cartridge that can deliver results from blood in two to three hours. Its first diagnostic product is a test to identify pathogens in blood, as well as antimicrobial resistance genes, allowing physicians to treat patients with appropriate medication before sepsis occurs.

The merged firm will continue to work on nanoMR contracts, including the development of PCS and assays for potential infectious agents for the US Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency. Investments will also be made to further PCS' development inAlbuquerque,NM, where nanoMR was headquartered, while theUKoperations will focus on developing the Genalysis technology.