International Gene Synthesis Consortium
The International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) is an industry-led group of gene synthesis companies and organizations dedicated to designing and applying a common protocol to screen synthetic gene orders and customers. Founded in 2009, IGSC aims to safeguard biosecurity, promote responsible gene synthesis, and support innovation across various industries including medicine, diagnostics, agriculture, and biotechnology. The consortium works with government agencies and international bodies to ensure the beneficial use of gene synthesis technology while minimizing risks associated with harmful sequences and misuse.
Industries
Nr. of Employees
small (1-50)
International Gene Synthesis Consortium
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, North America
Products
Harmonized Screening Protocol (document)
A publicly available protocol describing procedures and criteria for screening synthetic DNA orders and customers to identify regulated pathogens and sequences of concern.
Regulated Pathogen and Toxin Sequence Database (curated resource)
A curated collection of pathogen and toxin sequences derived from international sequence resources used to support sequence screening activities.
Public reports and informational materials
Collection of reports, press releases, and presentations related to gene synthesis screening and biosecurity (examples include technical reports and consortium statements).
Harmonized Screening Protocol (document)
A publicly available protocol describing procedures and criteria for screening synthetic DNA orders and customers to identify regulated pathogens and sequences of concern.
Regulated Pathogen and Toxin Sequence Database (curated resource)
A curated collection of pathogen and toxin sequences derived from international sequence resources used to support sequence screening activities.
Public reports and informational materials
Collection of reports, press releases, and presentations related to gene synthesis screening and biosecurity (examples include technical reports and consortium statements).
Services
Creates and promotes a common protocol for screening synthetic gene orders and vetting customers to be adopted by consortium members.
Coordinates member organizations to implement common screening approaches and share best practices to reduce biosecurity risk in gene synthesis supply chains.
Provides expert input and coordination with national and international government organizations on biosecurity norms, guidance, and screening expectations.
Creates and promotes a common protocol for screening synthetic gene orders and vetting customers to be adopted by consortium members.
Coordinates member organizations to implement common screening approaches and share best practices to reduce biosecurity risk in gene synthesis supply chains.
Provides expert input and coordination with national and international government organizations on biosecurity norms, guidance, and screening expectations.
Expertise Areas
- Gene synthesis screening and biosecurity
- Regulatory standards development for synthetic nucleic acids
- Pathogen and toxin sequence database curation
- Stakeholder and government policy engagement
Key Technologies
- DNA sequence screening
- Amino acid (translated) sequence analysis
- Curated pathogen/toxin sequence databases
- Harmonized screening protocols (documented workflows)
News & Updates
A recent update or guidance related to synthetic nucleic acids by HHS/ASPR in 2023.
The IGSC has developed and updated screening protocols for synthetic DNA products and services, including a harmonized screening protocol and a launch announcement.
Formation of IGSC
Established in 2009, the IGSC has become a major entity representing a majority of global commercial gene synthesis capacity, working to screen gene orders for regulated pathogen sequences and vetting customers.
A recent update or guidance related to synthetic nucleic acids by HHS/ASPR in 2023.
The IGSC has developed and updated screening protocols for synthetic DNA products and services, including a harmonized screening protocol and a launch announcement.
Formation of IGSC
Established in 2009, the IGSC has become a major entity representing a majority of global commercial gene synthesis capacity, working to screen gene orders for regulated pathogen sequences and vetting customers.