Scantox Expands Its Genomic Safety Business with DuplexSeq™ Acquisition

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its genomic safety capabilities, Scantox Group has announced the acquisition of the DuplexSeq™ nonclinical genomic safety business from TwinStrand Biosciences, Inc. This acquisition comes through a comprehensive technology transfer and licensing agreement, allowing Scantox to become the exclusive global provider of DuplexSeq™ Mutagenesis Assays and related services.

Meeting Increased Demand for Advanced Testing

The need for advanced mutagenesis assessment has never been more pressing. As development teams face rising regulatory expectations, the ability to make earlier, more confident decisions about mutagenic risks based on reliable evidence is critical. Scantox aims to address this demand by offering high-precision sequencing-based mutagenesis testing, leveraging its global capabilities not just in services but also in products.

The acquisition seamlessly integrates with Scantox's existing portfolio, which includes exclusive rights to the Big Blue® transgenic rodent gene mutation assay. This combination creates a comprehensive genomic safety platform that spans all stages of development, from initial screening to late-stage evaluation.

Jeanet Løgsted, CEO of Scantox Group, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, stating, "Our customers have been asking for access to the most advanced mutagenesis assessment technologies, and this acquisition delivers exactly that." The DuplexSeq technology offers unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy in genetic toxicology, contributing to higher-quality decision data that has been previously unavailable.

Innovating the Future of Genomic Safety Assessment

DuplexSeq™ Mutagenesis Assays utilize cutting-edge, error-corrected next-generation sequencing techniques to directly measure ultra-rare mutations with unparalleled accuracy. This new approach methodology (NAM) not only generates mutation data with mechanistic details at the genomic level but also enhances the understanding of mutagenic risks. The flexibility of DuplexSeq™ means it can be applied across various applications, including regulatory genetic toxicology, carcinogenicity evaluations, and gene-editing safety assessments.

Chad Waite, Chairman of the Board at TwinStrand Biosciences, commented on the acquisition, noting that after extensive research and development, TwinStrand found a fitting home for its genetic safety business in Scantox. He highlighted Scantox's scientific rigor and regulatory expertise as key factors that would allow them to deliver DuplexSeq™ effectively to the global market.

Matt Tate, Managing Director of Genetic Toxicology at Scantox, also remarked on the significance of this acquisition. "This represents the future direction of genomic safety assessment. DuplexSeq™ allows for direct mutation measurement at the genomic level, enabling robust decisions on mutagenic risks across pharmaceutical development, as well as broader applications within chemical and consumer products."

Conclusion

The acquisition of DuplexSeq™ is set to position Scantox as a leader in the genomic safety sector, not merely delivering standalone genetic toxicology tests, but actively shaping the future of integrated genomic safety studies. With Scantox's established capabilities and the advanced technologies brought by this acquisition, the company is well-prepared to set new industry standards for genomic safety assessments, catering to the evolving demands of regulatory practices and advancements in genetic research.