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Synthetic Genomics, J. Craig Venter Spin Out New Vaccine Startup

La Jolla-based Synthetic Genomics and the J. Craig Venter Institute, the nonprofit genetic research organization of genetic sequencing pioneer J. Craig Venter, said today that they have formed a new company in San Diego, Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc. (SGVI). According to the two, the new, privately held firm will focus on developing next generation vaccines, using genomic sequencing and synthetic genomic research expertise and intellectual property from SGI and JCVI. As part of the formation of the firm, the two said that it has linked with Novartis, where the drug maker will use SGVI's synthetic genomics tools and technologies to accelerate production of influenza seed strains used for vaccine manufacturing. Details on the funding of the new firm were not announced.