. Here are the companies they’ve acquired and the reasons behind each acquisition:
Proof Diagnostics:
- Ginkgo Bioworks acquired Proof Diagnostics, a Cambridge-based CRISPR test developer co-founded by Feng Zhang (an early discoverer of Crispr technology) of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.- Proof Diagnostics has been working on a “future-proof” COVID-19 screener with a rapid tabletop analyzer capable of detecting not only COVID-19 but also the flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and other diseases using gene-editing technology.
- Ginkgo was mainly attracted to Proof Diagnostics for its intellectual property and libraries of RNA-programmable, non-Cas enzymes called OMEGAs. These emerging OMEGAs offer potential upgrades over current genomic medicine tools, making them easier to deliver into cells. Ginkgo plans to use these enzymes to support its gene therapy services, providing an alternative approach to gene editing.
Patch Biosciences: - Ginkgo acquired Patch Biosciences, a New York-based AI platform developer focused on computer-designed cargos for genetic medicines. By integrating Patch’s capabilities, libraries, and datasets, Ginkgo aims to enhance its existing genetic medicine toolkit.
The machine-learning models and downstream assays from Patch Biosciences will contribute to Ginkgo’s offerings.Reverie Labs:
- Ginkgo also acquired Reverie Labs, an AI-powered drug discovery company. Reverie Labs specializes in developing biology-focused foundation models and small molecule design. Four members of Reverie’s AI team, including Chief Technology Officer Ankit Gupta, have joined Ginkgo.
This acquisition will accelerate Ginkgo’s work in drug discovery and strengthen its expertise in biological engineering approaches.
KEY POINTS from this article:
- 1. The biofoundry's platform is scaling up, "big time" and customers are flocking.
- 2.
Powerful collaborators are signing up
It's working with Merck, Moderna, Eli Lilly, and many others in biopharma and agriculture.
- 3 Ginkgo's valuation is attractive, and trading as a penny stock at all time lows!