Genomatix Corporation, a genetic materials manufacturer, has relocated its operations to Roanoke and Blacksburg, Virginia

Roanoke, Virginia (May 26, 2004). Genomatix Corporation, a genetic materials manufacturing company, has announced the recent relocation of its production and research operations to Roanoke and Blacksburg, Virginia.  Genomatix was previously located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

            The privately held biotech company performs flexible manufacturing of DNA vectors.  These highly complex genetic molecules are used by the global life sciences industry to reprogram the biological activity of cells. Genetic reprogramming plays an increasingly important role in disease research, advanced drug therapies, agriculture, biosecurity, and production of vaccines, antibodies, industrial enzymes and other recombinant proteins.  Genomatix specializes in producing combinatorial sets of DNA vectors that can be used for comparative transgenic studies in cell lines and organisms.

            According to Thomas D. Reed, Ph.D., Genomatix Chairman and Chief Science Officer, the company has spent almost two years considering relocation options in the Eastern United States.  “We selected the Roanoke/Blacksburg area for several reasons,” said Reed.  “Many of our existing and potential customer and partnering relationships are located within an extended life sciences corridor that runs from Upper New Jersey, south to the Atlanta/Birmingham area.  Roanoke positions us close to the middle of that corridor, with the added advantage of being in direct proximity to Virginia Tech and UVA-Charlottesville, both of which are very strong life sciences institutions.”  Reed continued, “We have also been highly impressed with the welcoming response we received from Virginia’s state and local leadership, as well as the regional investment community.  Everyone made it clear that companies like Genomatix are a key part of Virginia’s long-term plan for building a very robust life sciences economy.”  Reed concluded, “ We also couldn’t help being attracted to the natural beauty of Southwestern Virginia.  All of us are excited to be here and enjoy our first summer in the New River Valley region.”

            Genomatix CEO, Robert P. Beech, said the relocation went smoothly.  “Genomatix is already back in action and manufacturing DNA vector combinations for our growing base of global customers.”

The company’s new contact information can be found at www.genomatix.com.

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