On March 09, 2016 (Advaxis, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADXS), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing cancer immunotherapies, and SGI-DNA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), reported that the companies have entered into a five-year exclusive supply agreement (Press release, Advaxis, MAR 9, 2016, View Source [SID:1234509453]). Under the terms of the agreement, SGI-DNA will manufacture for Advaxis synthetic DNA which will be used in Advaxis’ personalized Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-based immunotherapy, known as MINE (My Immunotherapy Neo-Epitopes).

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The goal of MINE is to use Advaxis’ Lm Technology to develop neo-epitope immunotherapies based on the specific and unique neo-epitopes found in an individual patient’s tumor. These neo-epitopes are built into DNA plasmids made exclusively by SGI-DNA for Advaxis and then inserted by Advaxis into patient specific immunotherapy constructs (ADXS-NEO), targeting the unique neo-epitope sequences identified in the patient’s tumor cells.

SGI-DNA’s synthetic DNA business is built on scientific advancements and breakthroughs from leading scientists including J. Craig Venter, Hamilton Smith, Clyde Hutchison, Dan Gibson and their teams, and utilizes DNA technologies to produce complex synthetic DNA. SGI-DNA also offers the BioXpTM 3200 System, the world’s first DNA printer, as well as a comprehensive suite of genomic services, including whole genome sequencing, library design, bioinformatics services, and reagent kits to enable synthetic biology.

"SGI-DNA is unparalleled in its commitment to innovative science, genomic services, bioinformatics and their ability to support DNA synthesis of components of Advaxis Lm immunotherapies," said Daniel O’Connor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advaxis. "Our work with SGI-DNA will assist us in the development of our Lm Technologies and our innovative work with neo-epitopes to move us toward our planned filing of an Investigational New Drug Application later this year."

"We are excited to work with the Advaxis team and support their research and development program," said Nathan Wood, President of SGI-DNA. "We believe that SGI’s technical expertise in gene synthesis will help Advaxis meet its goal of making practical and effective personalized neo-epitope based treatments available for patients with cancer."

SGI-DNA’s proficiency with genomic sequencing, synthesis, and bioinformatics will factor in Advaxis’ current MINE research with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).