ZyGEM signs an agreement with VERITAS Japan to distribute DNA extraction products to the Japanese market

Oct 29 2009

ZyGEM Corp. Ltd., a provider of innovative enzyme-based products for DNA extraction and other life sciences applications, today announced it has entered into an exclusive agreement with VERITAS Japan to distribute ZyGEM's DNA extraction products to the Japanese market. This new agreement is the latest in a series of recent major distribution agreements for ZyGEM's DNA extraction kits with leading life science product distributors in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

This new agreement gives VERITAS Japan exclusive distribution rights in Japan for ZyGEM's full line of DNA extraction kits. VERITAS will also assist ZyGEM in developing and building its OEM business in Japan.

"With this important new distribution agreement for Japan, our quest to build a strong global network of leading distributors for our DNA extraction technology is largely realized," said Paul Kinnon, CEO of ZyGEM. "We were fortunate to be able to establish an exceptional distribution channel in the northern hemisphere last year and our recent agreements with strong partners in China, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and now Japan give us a major presence in many of the key life sciences hubs and emerging markets worldwide. These relationships are already generating encouraging gains in customers and market penetration around the world, and we expect they will become even more valuable as we launch our planned new products in the coming year."

ZyGEM's technology uses a proprietary thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. ZyGEM's approach significantly reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimizing error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples. It is easily adaptable for use with virtually all off-the-shelf laboratory automation systems. The technology can be specifically formulated for use with a wide range of different sample types without the need for further purification. ZyGEM's technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications, including forensic analysis.

"ZyGEM's DNA extraction technology providing superior accuracy, speed and versatility for research and diagnostic applications is an excellent example of the innovative products we are committed to providing our customers," said Shinsaku Iida, CEO of VERITAS Japan. "With the continued rapid growth in the demand for DNA-based tests and assays, access to easy-to-use and cost effective DNA extraction technology is becoming ever more essential. We are proud to be the exclusive distributors of this valuable technology in Japan and look forward to working with ZyGEM to build its Japanese presence."

Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.