Polyplus-transfection SA, a company developing innovative solutions for molecular and cellular biology, recently announced that Metabion GmbH, a company specializing in custom synthesis of biopolymers, has signed a non-exclusive agreement to manufacture and commercialize Polyplus-transfection's Zip Nucleic Acid (ZNA) oligonucleotides, a new technology that increases affinity for nucleic acids. Under the terms of the license, Metabion GmbH has acquired rights to manufacture and commercialize custom ZNA oligonucleotides for research and in vitro diagnostic applications.

ZNA are novel modified oligonucleotides that offer increased affinity for nucleic acids without reducing specificity. This brings several advantages, including improving the performance of molecular hybridization techniques, such as PCR assays when used as primers or probes; increasing the sensitivity of tests and the detection of mutations; performing favorably compared with the best modified oligonucleotides available in the market today; and having the distinct advantage of being easy to design and cost effective to produce.

“We are truly delighted to sign this agreement with Metabion, a well-established dynamic oligonucleotide company in Europe," said Mark Bloomfield, CEO of Polyplus-transfection. "This licensing agreement will enable more members of the life science community to access our innovative ZNA technology.”

"In line with our approach to intelligently and deliberately expand our oligonucleotide custom synthesis portfolio to bring ever increasing value to our customers, we see great potential for ZNA modified oligonucleotides due to the inherent (chemical) advantages they offer for state-of-the-art molecular biological applications," added Dr. Regina Bichlmaier, CEO at Metabion. "Combining our own and our customers’ expertise, this new technology will contribute to increase R&D flexibility and progress."

ZNA are oligocation-oligonucleotide conjugates that demonstrate an increased affinity for their complementary sequence without reduction in specificity. Increased affinity derives from the molecules’ cationic moieties (functional groups), which reduce the charge repulsion between the two nucleic acid strands. Thanks to the non-directive nature of the electrostatic interactions, this affinity gain is independent of the base sequence and is therefore predictable, thus making the design of ZNAs extremely easy. ZNAs are produced using a standard oligonucleotide synthesizer allowing fast, cost-effective production as well as the ability to add further useful modifications, such as fluorescent markers.

Polyplus-transfection SA is a biotechnology company researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative solutions for scientists working in molecular and cell biology. The company has been producing and selling its proprietary range of transfection reagents and technologies since 2001.

Metabion is one of the globally leading suppliers of custom nucleic acids renowned for its focus on reliable supplies of consistently high-quality products and services. Metabion’s core business is the production of synthetic DNA and RNA oligonucleotides according to customers’ needs.