In April 2010, GeneSeek Inc. was acquired by Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) , itself and SBIR involved firm. GeneSeek is a biotechnology company providing quality DNA-based discovery and diagnostic products and services. The firm serves the agricultural genetics and food safety markets and since its founding and acquisition has grown to be the largest genomics services provider in the world for the agricultural and companion animal market. GeneSeek's technology employs high-resolution DNA genotyping for identity and trait analysis in a variety of important animal and agricultural plant species. Through the use of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery and analysis, GeneSeek empowers its customers to speed genetic improvement efforts, as well as identify economically important diseases inside the farm gate. The company makes extensive use of the Illumina Infinium BeadChip and Sequenom MassARRAY platforms. GeneSeek is not involved in cloning or the development of transgenic animals. Instead, the results of its technology allow the acceleration of natural selection through selective breeding for traits such as disease resistance and meat quality. GeneSeek's first product was the provision of custom high-throughput whole-genome scans in agricultural species and humans. This is still among primary products today, as the need for and value of complex-trait gene discovery grows. The firm now works in DNA-based diagnostics testing for the animal breeding industry, incorporating licensed tests that enable breeding companies to improve their germplasm by eliminating specific detrimental alleles within a variety of genes. The next area of growth is animal identity and sample storage, enabling retrospective genetic improvement and trace-back capabilities. Genesekk is working with several companies in providing microsatellite as well as SNP based marker systems for animal identity. Coupled with custom built informatics solutions, web-interface for sample submission and data retrieval and systems for high throughput, accurate data generation; the company is poised to position itself as the leader in the area of livestock genetics.
