Touchlight Genetics
Touchlight Genetics is a UK-based CDMO operating a proprietary cell-free enzymatic DNA manufacturing platform (dbDNA) that supplies GMP-grade synthetic DNA to biotech and pharmaceutical companies developing mRNA vaccines, viral vectors, gene editing therapies, and DNA vaccines.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersHampton, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Touchlight Genetics does
Touchlight Genetics is a UK-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that has built a proprietary cell-free DNA production platform to serve the genetic medicines industry. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Hampton (London), the company's core technology uses enzymatic rolling circle amplification to produce dbDNA (doggybone DNA) — a minimal, linear, double-stranded, covalently closed DNA vector — eliminating the bacterial fermentation step required by traditional plasmid DNA (pDNA) manufacture. This approach reduces production timelines from months to 5-6 weeks, removes antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial sequences from the final product, and operates at a fraction of the facility footprint of conventional CDMOs. The portfolio has expanded to include z-dbDNA (optimized for mRNA production) and mbDNA (a circular single-stranded DNA platform for non-viral gene editing).
Touchlight monetizes through three primary revenue streams: (1) tiered custom DNA manufacturing services spanning Discovery (<1mg, RUO), R&D (2.5mg-5g, RUO), SMart GMP (75mg-5g), and full GMP scales; (2) technology licensing to pharmaceutical partners — including Pfizer, GSK, and Voyager — generating upfront payments, development and commercial milestones, and royalties; and (3) catalogue product and kit sales, including the EnClose Cell-free dbDNA Synthesis Kit co-developed with New England Biolabs. Customers span biotech and pharma companies developing mRNA vaccines, AAV and lentiviral vectors, gene editing therapies, DNA vaccines, and non-viral gene therapies. Distribution extends through channel partnerships with Lonza and Curia for mRNA manufacturing integration.
The Morelands facility in Hampton — a converted Victorian waterworks — is the world's largest cell-free DNA manufacturing site, with 15 production suites and capacity of up to 1kg GMP DNA per month. Touchlight holds the first FDA Drug Master File for an enzymatic DNA platform (2022) and the world's first MHRA GMP license for cell-free DNA manufacturing (January 2025). Nine clinical-stage programs and 8+ IND/CTA filings reference dbDNA, with expansion underway into animal health (Ceva partnership, January 2025), aquaculture (Touchlight Aquaculture spin-off, 2020), and defense applications (DSTL/Naval Research biobattery grants).
Touchlight Genetics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Touchlight Genetics
- Legal name
- Touchlight Genetics Ltd.
- Website
- https://touchlight.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Touchlight Genetics is a UK-based CDMO operating a proprietary cell-free enzymatic DNA manufacturing platform (dbDNA) that supplies GMP-grade synthetic DNA to biotech and pharmaceutical companies developing mRNA vaccines, viral vectors, gene editing therapies, and DNA vaccines.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Touchlight Genetics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Contract DNA Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Gene Therapy (Viral Vector/Plasmid) CDMO (HLAGABAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Gene Therapy CDMO (Viral Vector Manufacturing) (HLAGAGAB), mRNA/LNP & Nucleic Acid Therapeutics CDMO (HLAGABAF), Gene Therapy Vector Manufacturing & CDMO Services (HLAAACAJ), Gene Therapy CMC/Process Development Platforms (capsid engineering, producer cell lines, plasmids, upstream/downstream) (HLAAACAN)
Keywords
Where Touchlight Genetics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hampton
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Touchlight Genetics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO) Services: Touchlight operates as a CDMO providing custom DNA manufacturing services at multiple scales (Discovery, R&D, SMart GMP, GMP) using its proprietary cell-free dbDNA technology. Revenue is earned through service contracts with biotech and pharma clients who require GMP or RUO-grade DNA for their genetic medicine programs. The company supplies DNA as a critical starting material or raw material for mRNA vaccines, viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus), gene therapies, and DNA vaccines. Customers include pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and academic institutions.
- Technology Licensing: Touchlight licenses its enzymatic DNA technology (dbDNA patent portfolio) to pharmaceutical companies for use in their own manufacturing processes. Licensing agreements include upfront payments, development and commercial milestone payments, and royalties upon commercialisation. Notable licensees include Pfizer (for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies), GSK (for mRNA manufacturing), and Voyager (for capsid discovery platform).
- Catalogue Products: Touchlight sells catalogue DNA products including NVGT (CMV/NVGT Reporters), lentivirus, AAV, gene editing HDR templates, and mRNA constructs for research use.
- Kit Sales (Collaboration with NEB): Touchlight co-developed and commercialises the EnClose Cell-free dbDNA Synthesis Kit with New England Biolabs (NEB), providing researchers access to Touchlight's enzymatic DNA synthesis technology in kit format for accelerated DNA and RNA therapeutic development.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Discovery Scale: RUO grade DNA up to 1mg for early-stage research |
| Other | Multi-year contract | R&D Scale: RUO grade up to 5g for research and development |
| Other | Multi-year contract | SMart GMP Scale: Accelerating GMP readiness (75mg-5g) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | GMP Scale: High-purity GMP DNA manufacturing (75mg-5g) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Touchlight Genetics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Touchlight Genetics is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that produces high-purity, cell-free DNA using proprietary enzymatic rolling circle amplification (RCA) technology. The company manufactures dbDNA, z-dbDNA, and mbDNA at multiple scales (Discovery, R&D, SMart GMP, and full GMP) for use as starting material in mRNA vaccines, AAV and lentiviral vectors, gene editing, DNA vaccines, and non-viral gene therapies. The company also licenses its enzymatic DNA patent portfolio to major pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, GSK, and Voyager.
Product overview
Touchlight Genetics is a pioneering CDMO offering cell-free DNA manufacturing technologies for genetic medicines. The company's core technology portfolio consists of three proprietary DNA platforms: dbDNA (doggybone DNA) - the foundational linear double-stranded DNA vector, z-dbDNA - an optimized variant for mRNA production, and mbDNA (MegaBulb DNA) - a circular single-stranded DNA platform for gene editing. These platforms are delivered through tiered manufacturing services spanning Discovery Scale (RUO, <1mg), R&D Scale (RUO, 2.5mg-5g), SMart GMP (75mg-5g), and full GMP Scale manufacturing. The technology supports a broad range of applications including mRNA synthesis, AAV vector production, lentiviral vector manufacturing, gene editing, DNA vaccines, and non-viral gene therapy. Touchlight's enzymatic cell-free manufacturing eliminates traditional bacterial fermentation, enabling faster production timelines, higher purity, and scalability without antibiotic resistance genes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- dbDNA™ (doggybone DNA): Enzymatically manufactured double-stranded DNA vector technology for genetic medicines including mRNA, AAV, gene editing, and non-viral therapies
- z-dbDNA™
- mbDNA™ (MegaBulb DNA)
- SMart GMP
Quantifiable outcome
- GMP-grade dbDNA deliverable in 5-6 weeks, vs. months for traditional plasmid DNA manufacturing
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Touchlight Genetics
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Touchlight Genetics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Touchlight Genetics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- U.S. Office for Naval Research / UK Defence Science & Technology LaboratoryminorTouchlight was awarded a grant extension (second grant) from the U.S. Office for Naval Research and UK Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to further develop DNA-enabled biobatteries, expanding Touchlight's DNA technology applications beyond biomedical uses.
- SVF VaccinesminorTouchlight announced a strategic partnership with SVF Vaccines to progress SVF's innovative Hepatitis B/D vaccine into clinical development using Touchlight's dbDNA technology as the DNA starting material.
- New England Biolabs (NEB)coreNew England Biolabs and Touchlight collaborated to develop and release the EnClose Cell-free dbDNA Synthesis Kit, enabling rapid, cell-free DNA synthesis for therapeutics development. The kit offers a scalable and regulatory-friendly alternative to traditional plasmid DNA manufacturing, supporting gene and mRNA therapies.
- Ceva Animal HealthcoreCeva Animal Health (5th largest global animal health company) entered into a broad-ranging agreement with Touchlight for the development and manufacture of new dbDNA vaccines and therapeutics across a wide range of animal health indications. The agreement includes upfront payment, development milestones, and royalties on commercialised products. Dr Ian Thompson leads the collaboration. Stonehaven Transactions acted as strategic adviser to Touchlight.
- GSKcoreGSK signed a license agreement for use of Touchlight's enzymatic dbDNA production technology for mRNA manufacturing. The agreement enables GSK access to the technology for rapid production of DNA template as starting material for mRNA-based vaccines, therapeutics, and gene therapies.
- LenioBiominorTouchlight and LenioBio collaborate to accelerate development of protein therapeutics for pandemic response, as part of LenioBio's CEPI grant. Touchlight contributes its enzymatic dbDNA to the collaborative programme.
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL)minorTouchlight Genetics and the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL) were jointly awarded a grant to develop a novel gene-length single-stranded genome editing template, advancing the application of Touchlight's DNA technology in precision gene editing.
- CPI (Centre for Process Innovation)minorTouchlight was awarded a tender to supply enzymatic dbDNA to CPI's RNA Centre of Excellence, supporting the development and manufacturing of RNA therapeutics through access to Touchlight's cell-free DNA technology.
- CuriaminorCuria expanded its biologics capabilities with access to Touchlight's doggybone DNA to complement its mRNA manufacturing offering, enabling Curia's customers to access Touchlight's enzymatic DNA technology.
- 20Med TherapeuticsminorTouchlight and 20Med Therapeutics are collaborating to establish a novel vaccination platform combining Touchlight's rapid enzymatic dbDNA with 20Med's bioresponsive polymer nanoparticle technology. Preclinical data has shown strong neutralising antibodies and durable T cell responses. Funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for pandemic preparedness.
- Voyager TherapeuticsminorVoyager Therapeutics signed a license agreement to use Touchlight's DNA technology in Voyager's capsid discovery platform, leveraging dbDNA's rapid, scalable production for AAV capsid development.
- LonzacoreLonza integrated Touchlight's dbDNA as an additional, differentiated source of DNA raw material within its end-to-end mRNA manufacturing offering. Customers of Lonza's mRNA manufacturing services gain seamless access to Touchlight's enzymatic DNA technology. The collaboration extends Lonza's offering beyond traditional plasmid DNA while enabling Touchlight to reach customers through Lonza's global mRNA manufacturing network.
- PfizercorePfizer and Touchlight entered into a non-exclusive patent license agreement granting Pfizer worldwide rights to Touchlight's enzymatic dbDNA patent portfolio for use in Pfizer's clinical and commercial manufacture of mRNA-based vaccines, therapeutics, and gene therapies. Touchlight receives an upfront payment, clinical and commercial milestone payments, and royalties upon commercialisation.
- AskBio (Bayer AG subsidiary)coreAskBio and Touchlight restructured their former Touchlight AAV joint venture on 1 February 2022. Both parties benefit from co-exclusive rights to independently supply the AAV market with dbDNA through their respective CDMOs. AskBio owns 100% of the San Sebastian manufacturing site (operated by TAAV) and Touchlight regains co-exclusive rights to manufacture and sell dbDNA for AAV production.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Touchlight Genetics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Aldevron (Danaher): Aldevron is the leading plasmid DNA CDMO serving gene therapy and mRNA developers. It is the closest direct competitor to Touchlight, providing similar custom DNA manufacturing services for AAV, mRNA, and gene editing applications, though via traditional E. coli fermentation.
- TriLink BioTechnologies (Maravai LifeSciences): TriLink is a direct competitor in nucleic acid manufacturing, producing mRNA, plasmid DNA, and clean cap reagents for vaccine and therapeutic developers. They serve overlapping customers in mRNA and gene therapy manufacturing with comparable CDMO service tiers.
- VGXI: VGXI is a specialized plasmid DNA CDMO focused on DNA vaccines and gene therapy applications. Like Touchlight, it provides GMP-grade DNA manufacturing services to biotech and pharma clients developing genetic medicines, with overlapping customer base in DNA vaccines.
- GenScript: GenScript is a direct competitor offering gene synthesis, plasmid DNA, and cell therapy manufacturing services. It serves similar biotech and pharma customers with DNA production and gene editing tools, including custom DNA constructs and viral vector services.
Broad incumbents
- Catalent: Catalent is a large incumbent CDMO offering comprehensive biologics, cell therapy, and gene therapy manufacturing services. While it offers plasmid DNA capabilities, its breadth spans oral, injectable, and biologic drug product manufacturing beyond Touchlight's specialized DNA focus.
- Lonza: Lonza is both a Touchlight partner (integrating dbDNA into its mRNA offering) and a broad incumbent CDMO. It provides mammalian and microbial biologics manufacturing globally with significantly larger scale and broader service portfolio than Touchlight's focused DNA manufacturing niche.
- Charles River Laboratories: Charles River provides CDMO services including plasmid DNA manufacturing for gene and cell therapy developers via its Biologics Services division. It is a broader preclinical and manufacturing services provider that overlaps with Touchlight in DNA manufacturing for genetic medicines.
- Bio-Techne: Bio-Techne provides research reagents and GMP proteins, with an emerging GMP DNA and gene synthesis capability. While broader in scope (proteins, antibodies, diagnostics), it overlaps with Touchlight in supplying research and GMP-grade materials to genetic medicine developers.
- Oxford Biomedica: Oxford Biomedica is a leading lentiviral vector CDMO for cell and gene therapy, recognized as a leading European CGT manufacturer alongside Touchlight. While focused on lentiviral vector production rather than starting DNA, it serves the same gene therapy developer customers.
Emerging players
- Ansa Bio: Ansa Bio is an emerging player developing enzymatic DNA synthesis technology for genetic medicines, overlapping with Touchlight's cell-free dbDNA platform. It is an early-stage competitor focused on next-generation synthetic DNA manufacturing for mRNA and gene therapy applications.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Touchlight Genetics social profiles
Digital presenceTouchlight Genetics compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Touchlight Genetics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Touchlight Genetics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Touchlight Genetics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds8 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Touchlight Genetics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Touchlight Genetics
What does Touchlight Genetics do?
Touchlight Genetics is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that produces high-purity, cell-free DNA using proprietary enzymatic rolling circle amplification (RCA) technology. The company manufactures dbDNA, z-dbDNA, and mbDNA at multiple scales (Discovery, R&D, SMart GMP, and full GMP) for use as starting material in mRNA vaccines, AAV and lentiviral vectors, gene editing, DNA vaccines, and non-viral gene therapies. The company also licenses its enzymatic DNA patent portfolio to major pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, GSK, and Voyager.
Is Touchlight Genetics a public or private company?
Touchlight Genetics is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Touchlight Genetics founded?
Touchlight Genetics was founded in 2007. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Touchlight Genetics based?
Touchlight Genetics is headquartered in Hampton, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Touchlight Genetics make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO) Services are the primary driver. The others are technology Licensing, catalogue Products and kit Sales (Collaboration with NEB).
Who are Touchlight Genetics's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Aldevron (Danaher), TriLink BioTechnologies (Maravai LifeSciences), VGXI and GenScript. Broad incumbents are Catalent, Lonza, Charles River Laboratories, Bio-Techne and Oxford Biomedica. Ansa Bio is listed as an emerging player.
Does Touchlight Genetics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Touchlight Genetics.
What industry is Touchlight Genetics in?
Touchlight Genetics's product category is Contract DNA Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGABAE, Gene Therapy (Viral Vector/Plasmid) CDMO, with a secondary code of HLAGAGAB, Gene Therapy CDMO (Viral Vector Manufacturing). Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 8731.