On January 10, 2022, Codex DNA, a leader in the development of automated solutions for on-demand synthesis of genes and mRNA, announced a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Pfizer to access and further develop Codex DNA’s novel EDS technology for potential application by Pfizer for its mRNA-based vaccines and other biopharma products. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Codex DNA on the transaction.

The financial terms of the deal include an upfront payment from Pfizer to Codex DNA, along with success-based technical milestone payments that could be earned in the near term. Codex DNA is also eligible to receive additional milestone payments based on the achievement of specified development, regulatory, and commercialization goals associated with any products developed from the application of Codex DNA’s technology developed and licensed under the agreement. With this agreement, Pfizer gains early access to custom, state-of-the-art Codex DNA technology, including use of its proprietary short oligo ligation assembly (SOLA) EDS technology. SOLA EDS is a patent-pending, sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective research approach designed to significantly reduce timelines for constructing synthetic DNA, RNA, and protein, which could potentially lead to more efficient and effective research and development of mRNA-based vaccines, therapeutics, personalized medicines, and other biopharma products.

The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Codex DNA on the transaction included Ian Edvalson, Shefali Tandon, and Jesse Schumaker​.

For more information, please see Codex DNA’s press release.