Boston– Twist Bioscience and Ginkgo Bioworks have announced a revised agreement that strengthens their long-standing collaboration while providing Twist with valuable intellectual property for long DNA synthesis. The updated deal modifies the companies’ original 2022 agreement, allowing for continued business while expanding Twist’s technological capabilities.
Under the terms of the new three-year, $15 million agreement, Ginkgo will remain a key customer of Twist’s DNA products, prepaying annually for its orders. In a significant change, Ginkgo is no longer required to meet minimum purchase volumes, giving the company greater flexibility in its ordering schedule. In return, Twist receives a license and assignment to certain long DNA technologies and related reagents that will enhance its existing synthesis platform. Ginkgo retains the rights to use the intellectual property it is transferring to Twist.
“Ginkgo has been a trusted customer of Twist since the early days of our synthetic biology offering,” said Dr. Emily Leproust, CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience. “This updated agreement allows us to continue supporting Ginkgo while gaining new IP that can strengthen our platform and open up future opportunities in long DNA synthesis.”
The acquisition of this intellectual property expands Twist’s existing portfolio and bolsters its position in the competitive DNA synthesis market. Long DNA sequences are critical to the advancement of synthetic biology and other applications in genomics, biotechnology, and biopharma.
Jason Kelly, CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, said the revised terms reflect the evolving needs of both companies. “DNA synthesis is a core technology for synthetic biology, and we’re pleased to contribute some of our long DNA IP to Twist,” Kelly said. “Twist has been a close and valuable partner for many years, and this agreement gives us continued access to their high-quality products with added flexibility.”
The companies emphasized that the updated collaboration reflects their mutual commitment to innovation and adaptability in the rapidly advancing field of synthetic biology.
