US-based Telesis Bio has announced a licensing agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, enabling the latter to deploy the Gibson SOLA platform at its research and development (R&D) facilities.

The strategic move will integrate automated, high-throughput gene synthesis into Regeneron's in-house laboratories, significantly accelerating the biologics discovery process.

The platform facilitates fully-enzymatic overnight synthesis of high-fidelity deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), minimising design-to-build timelines from weeks to hours.

This advance enables researchers to rapidly iterate, secure intellectual property and simplify previously complex workflows dependent on external vendors.

The companies are seeking to enhance their competitive edge by boosting research velocity, fortifying data security and leveraging AI in drug discovery.

Telesis Bio's platform facilitates intricate nucleic acid synthesis, bypassing the delays inherent in traditional methods.

The recently launched platform is a set of reagents but also includes an array of software tools designed for ease of adoption at various scales and throughputs.

It allows customers to take full control of the supply of nucleic acid, from design to the final molecule, while maintaining data confidentiality.

Compatible with standard liquid-handling automation, the platform is versatile and can be optimised for diverse applications, including vaccines and cell and gene therapies.

It produces high-purity DNA, allowing customers to move beyond laborious cloning processes, enhancing productivity and expediting research outcomes.

Telesis Bio CEO Eric Esser stated: “Regeneron is one of the most forward-thinking biotechnology companies and is known for pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and accelerating drug development.

“Adopting the Gibson SOLA platform is intended to enable full control of the nucleic acid supply chain and allows Regeneron to gain new insights that can aid in drug development. We are excited to support Regeneron’s efforts and to see how this platform could benefit their processes.”

The collaboration follows Regeneron's recent announcement that it is to buy bankrupt genetics company 23andMe for $256m.