The Haplogen Genomics platform represents a novel way to generate precisely engineered human cell lines efficiently at a lower price
Horizon Discovery Group has announced that it has agreed to acquire Haplogen Genomics GmbH, an Austria-based biotechnology company in a $9 million deal (£6.0m) in cash.
The Haplogen Genomics platform represents a novel way to generate precisely engineered human cell lines efficiently and at a price that places genome editing within the reach of the broader academic research market through the use of haploid cells. The acquisition provides Horizon with a proprietary high-throughput cell line generation platform based on human haploid genetics that increases its cell line inventory by over 10-fold and simultaneously enables an on-demand cell line development service to be launched in the first quarter of 2015. The platform also underpins a high-throughput functional genomics screening service offering to academic, biotech and pharma customers, complementing Horizon's existing small and large molecule drug screening offerings.
Dr Georg Casari, CEO, Haplogen GmbH, said, "We are extremely pleased to be able to put our research tools division into an exciting company like Horizon which is firmly establishing itself as the market leader in the fields of genome editing and personalized medicine. Having already established a strong working relationship with Horizon, it was easy to see the benefits of joining forces and we have great confidence in Horizon's ability to develop the haploid platform to its fullest potential."
"This acquisition is a continuation of our ambition, stated at the time of our IPO, of expanding our intellectual property portfolio, product development capabilities and commercial offerings to gain broader access to important markets, especially basic academic research. The team in Vienna has proven in a short time that they can be a very effective and competitive force in the field of genome engineering, and we look forward to working with them to revolutionize the genomics field by enabling access to first-in-class products and services that disrupt the status quo," said Dr Darrin M Disley,CEO,Horizon Discovery Group.
