Epoch Biosciences Sells Oligonucleotide Business

In a move to focus more on the company's core business, Epoch Biosciences, Inc. (Bothell, WA, USA) has agreed to sell the assets and customer base of its oligonucleotide operations in San Diego (CA, USA) to Eurogentec (Liege, Belgium) for US$1.4 million in cash.

In addition, the existing supply agreement between the two companies, which allows Eurogentec to sell custom oligonucleotides that include Epoch's proprietary dyes and nonfluorescent quenchers, will be expanded to include North America. Prior to being acquired by Epoch in November 2000, the transferred business was known as Synthetic Genetics. Epoch will continue to manufacture proprietary products, including its MGB Eclipse Probe Systems. Eurogentec offers services in oligonucleotide and peptide synthesis, DNA sequencing, monoclonal and polyclonal antibody production, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA array. The company was founded in 1985 as a spinoff from the University of Liege.

"The sale of the specialty oligonucleotide business allows us to focus on our proprietary products, including the core MGB Eclipse Probe System business,” said William G. Gerber, CEO of Epoch. "The Eurogentec agreement also generates cash for pursuing other high priorities, including our entry into the diagnostics business this year. The specialty oligonucleotides market was never a primary focus for us.”




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