IDT acquires Archer NGS research assays

The takeaway: IDT recently closed on the purchase of next generation sequencing research assays. Read more about this exciting advancement of our xGen™ NGS capabilities.

On Dec. 20, 2022, Integrated DNA Technologies grew.

IDT closed on the purchase of Archer™ NGS research assays.

Archer, Inc. is a life sciences company that sells research kits and software designed to improve the speed and precision of sequence results. Archer is based in Boulder, Colorado, and the NGS research assays—which include VariantPlex™, FusionPlex™, LiquidPlex™, and Immunoverse™—will continue to be manufactured and produced in the existing facility.

Let’s look at this important acquisition in more detail:

Who is Archer?

Archer creates custom and catalog NGS assays that are built to identify mutations and gene fusions in oncology samples. Archer combines novel enrichment chemistry, automated informatics, and a user-friendly workflow to break down research barriers and smooth bottlenecks often association with translational NGS.

What are the details of the transaction?

IDT purchased Archer’s RUO assays and a license to Anchored Multiplexing PCR (AMP™) technology. Additionally, about 100 Archer associates have now joined IDT.

What is the history of Archer?

Archer was founded by Jason Myers in 2015. It began in a small business incubator on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder, Colorado, before moving offsite several years later. It raised Series A funds in 2018, Series C funds in early 2019, and Series C funds later in 2019. The company filed IPO plans in 2020 but dropped them shortly afterward. Archer’s NGS panels enjoyed double-digit growth beginning in 2019 and in 2020.

What should existing Archer customers do?

Existing Archer customers may continue to work with their local sales reps or submit enquiries to sales@archerdx.com. All existing Archer RUO kit supply agreements will be assigned to and fulfilled by IDT, and existing quotes and promotions from Archer will be honored by IDT through their expiration dates. Existing agreements may be sent to agreements@idtdna.com. Requests for updated IDT banking information may be sent to invoicing@idtdna.com. Local IDT sales reps cannot fill orders for Archer products—those should be directed to a local Archer rep or by writing sales@archerdx.com. Further, local Archer sales reps cannot help complete IDT orders. There will be no changes to how Archer products are shipped, and the process for submitting and handling returns will remain the same. Meanwhile, existing Archer protocols and content can continue to be accessed here.

What are people saying about the acquisition?

IDT President Demaris Mills: "The acquisition of the NGS research assays aligns with our focus to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, laying the foundation for IDT to become a leading oncology research solutions provider. The products, tools, talent, and licensed technology will enable us to grow our NGS platform and unlock new market opportunities for IDT. Coupled with IDT's existing xGen NGS portfolio, this acquisition will enable IDT to provide researchers with all-in-one NGS research solutions to uncover novel biomarkers, including critical cancer fusions.”

*RUO—For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, IDT does not intend for these products to be used in clinical applications and does not warrant their fitness or suitability for any clinical diagnostic use. Purchaser is solely responsible for all decisions regarding the use of these products and any associated regulatory or legal obligations.