SomaLogic acquires DNA nanotechnology leader Palamedrix to develop the next-generation SomaScan® Assay
- Brings differentiated miniaturization technology, scientific and engineering expertise, and enhanced ease-of-use capabilities to SomaLogic’s platform while expanding footprint to San Diego, CA
BOULDER, Colo. and SAN DIEGO, July 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SomaLogic (NASDAQ: SLGC), a leader in AI data-driven proteomics technology, today announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Palamedrix, Inc., an innovator in DNA nanotechnology. Palamedrix provides deep scientific and engineering expertise, miniaturization technology and enhanced ease-of-use capabilities that SomaLogic intends to leverage as it develops the next generation of the SomaScan® Assay. The acquisition brings two leading technologies together which SomaLogic believes will accelerate SomaScan Platform utilization in global biopharma and academic markets, as well as the emerging proteomic diagnostics space.
“We are excited to announce our strategic acquisition of Palamedrix, accelerating our vision to make the SomaScan Platform more accessible to a broader group of customers, and to meet their diverse needs,” said SomaLogic Chief Executive Officer Roy Smythe. “This acquisition enhances our future opportunity for growth while allowing SomaLogic to maintain its strong balance sheet. It also expands our footprint to San Diego, California, one of the nation’s leading biotechnology centers of excellence as we continue our work to leverage the power of proteomics to positively impact human health.”
Under the terms of the merger agreement, SomaLogic will pay at closing $35 million, comprising $14 million in cash and $21 million in SomaLogic common stock. Up to an additional $17.5 million may be paid in connection with the achievement of certain future revenue-based milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022 and is not expected to contribute to SomaLogic 2022 revenue.
Palamedrix’s technology uses DNA-based biosensors that capture small molecules present in biological samples to pinpoint the presence of any analyte with single-molecule accuracy. The platform can organize and interrogate many millions of these biosensors on a surface to deliver comprehensive data and a complete view of a patient’s biochemistry from a single sample.
As part of the transaction, SomaLogic will obtain the intellectual property covering Palamedrix’s core DNA-based technology platform for the integration of molecular biosensors onto chips. This acquisition gives SomaLogic options to create assay formats to meet the varying needs of the company’s customers. The Palamedrix team will continue to work from the company’s La Jolla-based offices and lab space. The San Diego area is a leading hub for biotechnology and offers SomaLogic increased opportunities for talent acquisition as well as research and commercial partnerships.
“Joining SomaLogic allows us to use our leading molecular engineering expertise to contribute to the company’s impressive product roadmap. We share a goal of accelerating our technologies into a new era of proteomics-based biomedical research, clinical diagnostics and precision medicine,” said Palamedrix Chief Executive Officer Shane Bowen.
About SomaLogic
SomaLogic (Nasdaq: SLGC) seeks to deliver precise, meaningful, and actionable health-management information that empowers individuals worldwide to continuously optimize their personal health and wellness throughout their lives. This essential information, to be provided through a global network of partners and users, is derived from SomaLogic’s personalized measurement of important changes in an individual’s proteins over time. For more information, visit www.somalogic.com and follow @somalogic on Twitter.
Cowen and Company, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP acted as outside legal counsel to SomaLogic.
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Media Contact
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ecostales@somalogic.com
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Gilmartin Group LLC
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