MADISON, Wis.–DNASTAR® and Scarab Genomics, sister companies founded by genomics pioneer Fred Blattner, announce the launch of a next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing services business. Using their combined expertise, the companies will be offering a full range of sequencing services including library preparation, coordinating the most appropriate sequencing technology and platform, assembly, analysis, annotation, and visualization of end results.

“While DNASTAR brings strong informatics capabilities, Scarab’s wet-lab expertise adds a necessary complementary part of the comprehensive offering. We are pleased to find a way to work together in this new venture.”

Tom Schwei, Vice President and General Manager of DNASTAR, stated, “Nobody knows our sequence assembly and analysis software better than we do. Using software we commercialize in addition to some tools we’ve developed specifically to support our services business, we have the ability to deliver results very effectively and efficiently.”

Schwei also said, “In recent years, we’ve specifically added to DNASTAR and Scarab Genomics a group of life scientists with expertise in DNA and RNA sequence assembly and finishing to support the launch of this aspect of our business. It is natural for DNASTAR and Scarab to join together to provide these services for others who prefer to tap into our expertise.”

Tony Pharo, Director of Business Development and Operations for Scarab Genomics, added, “While DNASTAR brings strong informatics capabilities, Scarab’s wet-lab expertise adds a necessary complementary part of the comprehensive offering. We are pleased to find a way to work together in this new venture.”

About DNASTAR

DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, (www.DNASTAR.com) has been a pioneer in the development and sale of desktop software used to increase life scientists’ productivity for more than 25 years. Currently, DNASTAR produces Lasergene, a sequence analysis software suite; SeqMan NGen for the assembly of second and third generation DNA sequence data; ArrayStar, a microarray gene expression visualization and analysis package; QSeq, an RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data alignment and analysis tool; and GenVision, a data visualization software application.

About Scarab Genomics

Scarab Genomics, a Madison, Wisconsin based biotechnology company, offers unique Clean Genome® E. coli Strains for next generation DNA, protein, antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals production. Based on Dr. Fred Blattner’s expertise in the new technology of genome engineering, the K-12 genome has been reduced to remove non-essential genes and problematic DNA elements. Genome reduction provides enhanced genetic stability and improved host safety, while retaining robust growth on minimal media, making these strains ideal for biotherapeutic production. Additional reduced strains are currently being produced and tested.