IDT expands synthetic biology manufacturing in Coralville
Integrated DNA Technologies has opened a Coralville manufacturing building and expanded capacity for its synthetic biology portfolio.
Coralville adds synthetic biology capacity
Integrated DNA Technologies opened a synthetic biology manufacturing site in Coralville, Iowa, on May 28, 2024. The expansion doubles the company’s synthetic biology footprint. Site director Heather Loftsgard anticipated dozens of additional jobs over the following few years, without specifying an exact recruitment timetable.
The two-storey building covers 25,000 square feet near IDT’s headquarters. More than half its area accommodates laboratories; offices, meeting rooms and space for future expansion occupy the remainder. IDT planned round-the-clock operation throughout the week. The company is part of Danaher.
Laboratory layout and product plans
The laboratory design includes improved cold storage, lean manufacturing flows, LED lighting and automated building systems. President Demaris Mills expected the increased capacity to support further gene synthesis products, including a rapid offering planned for late in the second quarter of 2024.
IDT also operates manufacturing sites in San Diego; Boulder, Colorado; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new Coralville building follows another local facility completed in 2023, extending the company’s manufacturing presence in Iowa.
Custom vector ordering
IDT introduced a custom vector onboarding tool on March 27, 2024. Researchers can submit a vector sequence online instead of arranging submission through a sales representative. IDT handles cloning after onboarding, allowing customers to order genes already cloned into their selected vector.
The gene synthesis service offered the following ordering terms and specifications:
- A one-time $500 custom vector onboarding charge, with no recurring onboarding fee or minimum order.
- Gene fragments from 125 base pairs to 3 kilobases.
- Custom genes from 25 base pairs to 5 kilobases; longer sequences require a custom quote.
Separate manufacturing capabilities
IDT announced completion of its Therapeutic Oligonucleotide Manufacturing facility in Coralville on October 17, 2023. That separate 41,000-square-foot site was designed to produce cell and gene therapy reagents to current good manufacturing practice standards, including single guide RNAs and donor oligonucleotides.
The therapeutic facility includes ISO 8 cleanrooms, purification suites, quality-control laboratories and product-testing space. Environmental controls cover temperature, humidity and air pressure, supported by continuous monitoring. Manufacturing follows ICH Q7 standards. These specifications belong to the therapeutic facility rather than the new synthetic biology building.
Company and contacts
Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.
Media contact: Kristina Sarenas, Director of PR
USA and Canada: 800-328-2661
Outside USA: +1 319-626-8400
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.idtdna.com
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