French Firm to Go Public
Molecular combing stretches DNA across a glass surface. The DNA is labeled with fluorescent probes and scanned, providing visualization and analysis of single DNA molecules with a resolution of a few kilobases to a megabase. According to Genomic, multiple types of genetic rearrangements, such as deletions and translocations, can be identified. For research, the company offers the Replication Combing Assay for studying DNA replication kinetics.
Bagneux, France 3/4/14; Paris, France 3/20/14—Genomic Vision, a developer of DNA molecular combing technology, has announced that it plans to list on the Euronext Paris stock exchange. The company’s technology provides a panoramic view of large regions of the genome, including detection of structural variations, and allows the direct visualization of genetic anomalies. The company plans to list the stock at a price of €13.5–€16.5 ($18.75–$22.92 = €0.72 = $1) per share and expects to raise €20.9 million ($29.0 million). Genomic is developing diagnostic tests and also offers a product for research applications. It has commercialized a diagnostic test for facio-scapulo-humeral dystrophy, a genetic neuromuscular disease. Quest Diagnostics markets the test in the US and is collaborating with the firm to develop three other tests. Quest also holds a 21% stake in the company. Genomic expects the initial offering to close on March 31 and shares to begin trading on April 7.
