Cellectis, French-based specialist in the field of genome engineering, has announced that it has acquired all the assets of Cyto Pulse Sciences Inc., a US-based company specializing in the development, manufacture and commercialization of electroporation technology and equipment. Electroporation is a very efficient way to allow molecules such as meganucleases to enter any type of cells, with applications ranging from research and bioproduction to agriculture and therapeutics. The transaction value of $2.2 million was paid in cash and closed on September 2, 2010.

This acquisition provides Cellectis with recurrent licensing income (>$600k in 2009) from HybrimuneTM, Cyto Pulse's electrofusion technology that is licensed broadly to antibody companies; already available from Cellectis bioresearch. A range of electroporation instruments for in vitro and in vivo delivery of nucleic acids and proteins, including DNA vaccines. An unlimited access to Pulse Agile, one of the safest electroporation technologies for use in combination with Cellectis' meganuclease platform

"Cyto Pulse's assets are a great strategic fit for Cellectis," said Andre Choulika, Cellectis' CEO. "As we announced last year, part of our development strategy is to acquire businesses that complement our existing meganuclease platform and that can be leveraged across all aspects of our business, from research through to therapeutics. We saw such an opportunity in the technologies at Cyto Pulse Sciences Inc. and look forward to unlocking the value of these assets."