VisiGen Biotechnologies Inc. - Company Overview

Company Overview

VisiGen Biotechnologies, Inc., a privately-held company based in Houston, TX, is developing a radically new method of sequencing DNA that is projected to completely sequence a human genome in a day for the long-coveted target mark of $1000. The Company owns the IP related to its DNA sequencing technology. Its technology is distinguished from other next generation sequencing technologies in that it exploits the natural process of DNA replication in a way that enhances accuracy without drastically impacting efficiency. VisiGen’s approach involves engineering both polymerase and nucleotide triphosphates to act together as direct molecular sensors of DNA base identity in real-time. The massively parallel nature of this technology is projected to enable sequence acquisition at rates approaching 1 million bases per second per machine.

The company has been funded by: a DARPA contract, an NIH grant for ultra high throughput sequencing research, a NHGRI “Revolutionary Genome Sequencing Technologies” grant, an SBIR grant to develop a novel method for labeling DNA, RNA and proteins, and commercial investments from both SeqWright (a contract research organization with over ten years of experience specializing in DNA discovery products and customized services) and Applied Biosystems (the current industry leader in DNA sequencing technology).

The company moved into its own facilities in September 2002 and is currently expanding both its facility space and its teams of management and scientists. A coordinated, interdisciplinary team of scientists is in place and is integral to the success of the commercial system.

On the heels of major funding milestones, the company has begun an aggressive move towards commercialization over the next two years. VisiGen will accelerate research and development efforts and launch products and services into the growing $1 billion sequencing market. In the future, the company will further develop manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, conduct aggressive marketing campaigns and make strategic acquisitions of next stage technologies.

Key Company Strengths

Significant investment in massively parallel DNA sequencing technology - To date, VisiGen has invested millions of dollars in the scientific research required to develop its state-of-the-art technology. The company is developing hardware and software capabilities to improve sequencing rates by a factor approaching 100,000 compared to currently available technologies.

Patented technology - VisiGen has demonstrated proof of concept and continues to create a strong IP portfolio for the sequencing platform components, proprietary consumables, and analysis methods that enable the technology. The Company owns all IP related to ultra high throughput DNA sequencing technology developed by its Founders. U.S. and foreign patent applications are issued and many more are pending. VisiGen's first US patent, 7,329,492, issued on February 12, 2008.

Revolutionary products and recurring revenue - VisiGen's technology will make current sequencing technologies obsolete and create new opportunities and applications that will significantly expand the current market. Requisite use of VisiGen's proprietary reagents and consumables for sequencer operation will ensure a recurring revenue stream for the company.

Existing Relationships with Market Leaders - The Company has identified a novel biomolecule labeling product as an intermediate product that has already attracted key players who have significant track records in DNA sequencing technology and customer acquisition.

Mission Company Overview Teams Careers Contact