GENEWIZ, Inc. Completes Key Gene Synthesis of Ebola Virus in Record Time

South Plainfield, NJ - August 13, 2014 - Leading global genomics service company, GENEWIZ, Inc., was called upon once again by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) to aid in the emergency synthesis of key Ebola virus (EV) genes in response to the recent outbreak. 

To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 1848 cases and 1013 deaths from the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, making this the most severe, complex, and unprecedented EVD outbreak in history. "The scale of the Ebola outbreak, and the persistent threat it poses, requires WHO and Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to take the response to a new level, and this will require increased resources, in-country medical expertise, regional preparedness and coordination," says WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan. "WHO is reaching out to the international community to drive the response plan forward." 

On August 5, 2014, the China CDC sent an emergency request to GENEWIZ for the synthesis of key EV genes. Immediately responding to the urgent request, Dr. Xin Wu, GENEWIZ Associate Director of Operations, and his scientific development team worked tirelessly using the most advanced gene synthesis and cloning technologies to complete the project; GENEWIZ successfully delivered the viral genes to the China CDC in less than three days on August 8, 2014. 

"Since first completing synthesis of H7N9 viral genes in April 2013, GENEWIZ and the China CDC continue to collaborate on the development of new technologies for therapeutic discoveries. We are honored that the CDC continues to put their trust in GENEWIZ, and that in times of crisis, they have confidence in the high quality services we provide," Wu stated. "Our global social responsibility is of the utmost importance, and we maintain the highest standards of quality and excellence in order to uphold our customers’ confidence, as well as our commitment to helping the global community." 

"During widespread epidemics, time is precious. To be selected by the China CDC as a trusted partner for key gene synthesis is a testament to our technical capabilities and superior service," affirmed Dr. Amy Liao, GENEWIZ President & COO. "Synthesizing the Ebola virus genes is the foundation for studying the pathogenic function and crystal structures of the viral proteins. This information can help researchers gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis and transmission mechanisms quickly." 

Liao continued, "Although there are still no reported cases of the Ebola virus disease in China, the synthesis of these key genes can provide guidance, as well as aid in targeted drug and vaccine development, to address the Ebola virus disease. We hope that this outbreak will be under control soon, and are ready and willing to help in any way we can." 

About GENEWIZ, Inc.
GENEWIZ, Inc. is a global contract research organization (CRO) specializing in genomic services, including DNA sequencing, gene synthesis, molecular biology, genomic, bioinformatics, and GLP regulatory-compliant services. GENEWIZ leads the industry in outsourcing partnerships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical, academic, and government institutions. 

Headquartered in South Plainfield, NJ, GENEWIZ, Inc. is a privately-held global enterprise with locations in Boston, MA; Washington, DC Metro; Research Triangle Park, NC; San Diego, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; and Seattle, WA. International locations include Beijing, China; Suzhou, China; London, United Kingdom; Langen, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.