Codex DNA Aims to Accelerate Virus Research with Full-Length Synthetic Genome for SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant

Codex DNA, a US-based company specializing in automated benchtop synthetic biology systems, released its first full-length synthetic genome for the delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (B.1.617 lineage) in early September 2021. The genome would allow researchers to further study the virus and can potentially accelerate the discovery and development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics to treat COVID-19.

Codex DNA synthesized and constructed the genome using its BioXp 3250 system, a fully automated synthetic biology benchtop workstation that enables the rapid, accurate, and reproducible writing of DNA and messenger RNA (mRNA). Synthetic genomes allow scientists to work safely with a replicated virus without the additional security measures required when working with that actual pathogen.

“Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to wreak havoc around the world. Codex DNA is committed to building and providing innovative synthetic tools that accelerate virus research and simplify the discovery and development processes,” said Todd R. Nelson, CEO of Codex DNA, in a Sept. 1, 2021, company press release. “We believe this new synthetic genome will be a key resource to identify, monitor, and combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus in our ongoing fight against COVID-19.”