ChemGenes
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersWilmington, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ChemGenes does
ChemGenes Corporation is a privately held specialty biotechnology manufacturer founded in 1981, focused on nucleic acid chemistry — the synthesis of DNA and RNA reagents, phosphoramidites, CPG solid supports, nucleosides, and a broad portfolio of modified oligonucleotide chemistries used by academic, pharmaceutical, biotech, and clinical diagnostics customers. The company positions itself as the market leader in nucleic acid chemistry with the broadest range of modified chemistries in the market, including modified DNA and RNA, 2'/3'-O-methyl RNA, CombiClick combinatorial click chemistry reagents, chromophores and ligands, and morpholino phosphorodiamidates. Notable product franchises include Drop-Seq beads for single-cell mRNA sequencing (used by 410+ research labs globally and backed by the authors of the original Macosko et al. 2015 publication), the SARS-CoV-2 VoCs Multiplex RT-qPCR diagnostic kit, and custom oligonucleotide synthesis delivered through a web-based Custom Oligo Builder Tool. The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wilmington, MA, alongside a corporate office in Billerica, MA, and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification valid through 2028.
ChemGenes monetizes almost entirely through one-time catalog and quote-based product sales rather than subscriptions or licensing. Drop-Seq beads carry public pricing ($2,114 for 75mg, $3,524 for 150mg) with volume discounts; COVID-19 kits are sold in 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 reaction packs with bulk pricing on inquiry; and custom oligonucleotide orders are priced per quote. Distribution is direct-to-customer through an account-based website ordering system (requiring corporate or institutional email), toll-free and local phone lines, and inside sales support — with no third-party resellers or distributor network referenced in the source materials. Go-to-market is enterprise-oriented: named accounts include Broad Institute, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, UCSF, Johns Hopkins, Max Planck, RIKEN, plus commercial platform partners Bio-Rad (Celsee) and Dolomite Bio (Nadia), indicating penetration across elite academic and enterprise single-cell sequencing customers. The company supplements direct sales with consistent participation as both attendee and sponsor at major nucleic acid therapeutics conferences (IRT, RNA Leaders USA, OTS, TIDES Europe/Asia, OPT Congress) through 2027, signaling sustained investment in technical, relationship-driven selling rather than high-velocity digital marketing.
ChemGenes firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ChemGenes
- Legal name
- ChemGenes Corporation
- Website
- https://chemgenes.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ChemGenes industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nucleic Acid Synthesis Reagents and Specialty Chemistry
- NAICS
- Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)
- akta.pro primary industry
- mRNA & Nucleic Acid Manufacturing Services (mRNA/saRNA/Plasmid DNA) (HLAGAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- RNA Manufacturing & CMC (oligo synthesis, IVT, purification, formulation, QC) (HLAAADAF)
Keywords
Where ChemGenes is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wilmington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
ChemGenes business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Oligonucleotide Synthesis Reagents: One-time product sales of DNA/RNA synthesis reagents including phosphoramidites, CPG solid supports, nucleosides, mononucleotides, and other reagents. Products sold in various packaging configurations with catalog numbers.
- Drop-Seq Beads: Specialty beads for single cell RNA sequencing sold in catalog sizes (75mg for $2,114, 150mg for $3,524) with discounted bulk pricing available.
- COVID-19 RT-qPCR Kits: RT-PCR test kits sold in pack sizes of 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 reactions. Bulk pricing and custom pack sizes available upon inquiry.
- Custom Synthesis Services: Custom synthesis of oligonucleotides and modified products based on customer specifications. Quote-based pricing for custom orders.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Drop-Seq Beads - 75mg (from 5 µmol synthesis scale) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Drop-Seq Beads - 150mg (from 10 µmol synthesis scale) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | COVID-19 RT-qPCR Kit - Multiple pack sizes |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Oligonucleotide Synthesis |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
ChemGenes product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ChemGenes manufactures and sells nucleic acid chemistry reagents used in DNA and RNA synthesis, including phosphoramidites, CPG solid supports, nucleosides, mononucleotides, and a broad portfolio of modified amidites and specialty reagents. The company also produces Drop-Seq beads for single cell RNA sequencing, an FDA-style multiplex RT-qPCR kit for SARS-CoV-2 variant detection, and offers custom oligonucleotide synthesis services via its Custom Oligo Builder Tool to academic, pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics customers worldwide.
Product overview
ChemGenes manufactures DNA and RNA synthesis reagents with a broad portfolio of products organized into core synthesis reagents and specialty additions. The core offerings include Oligonucleotide Synthesis Reagents (phosphoramidites and CPG solid supports), Mononucleotides & Nucleosides, and the full range of natural and modified DNA and RNA products including 2' & 3' -O-Methyl RNA, CombiClick Click Chemistry reagents, Chromophores & Ligands, and Morpholino Phosphorodiamidates. Specialty products include new additions like Quenchers, BMEG Amidites and Supports, ssH-H Amino Modifiers, Reverse RNA Amidites, DDTT Sulfurizing Reagent, Cyclic Phosphate Oligonucleotides, and 5'-Triphosphate Oligonucleotides. The company also offers Drop-Seq Beads for single cell RNA sequencing and the SARS-CoV-2 VoCs Multiplex RT-qPCR Kit for COVID-19 research. Custom Oligonucleotide Synthesis via the Custom Oligo Builder Tool enables researchers to order modified oligos to exact specifications. ChemGenes is ISO 9001:2015 certified and has supplied materials for COVID-19 vaccines and diagnostics.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Drop-Seq: Superior Quality Beads for Single Cell mRNA sequencing applications using Drop-Seq methods. A technology that allows biologists to analyze genome-wide gene expression in thousands of individual cells in a single experiment.
Products and services
- Oligonucleotide Synthesis Reagents Phosphoramidites, CPG solid supports, and ancillary reagents for automated DNA and RNA synthesis on synthesizers, including natural and modified DNA and RNA amidites, 2' & 3'-O-Methyl RNA, CombiClick click chemistry, chromophores & ligands, and morpholino phosphorodiamidates. Sold to academic, pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics customers.
- Mononucleotides & Nucleosides Building block nucleosides and mononucleotides for oligonucleotide synthesis and research applications.
- Custom Oligonucleotide Synthesis Custom synthesis service for modified oligonucleotides ordered to customer-specified sequence, scale, and chemistry through the Custom Oligo Builder Tool on the ChemGenes website, with quote-based pricing.
- Drop-Seq Beads DNA-barcoded beads for single cell mRNA sequencing using Drop-Seq technology, enabling highly parallel genome-wide expression profiling of thousands of individual cells in a single experiment. Scalable to 250 million beads per batch with catalog sizes of 75mg ($2,114) and 150mg ($3,524) and bulk pricing available.
- SARS-CoV-2 VoCs Multiplex RT-qPCR Kit In-vitro diagnostic multiplex RT-qPCR kit for detection and discrimination of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Omicron, Delta, and wild-type), with high sensitivity and specificity and compatibility with a wide array of RT-qPCR instruments. Sold in 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 reaction pack sizes with bulk and custom options on inquiry.
Quantifiable outcome
- Manufacturing the broadest range of modified chemistries available in the market
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use ChemGenes
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
ChemGenes technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
ChemGenes partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
ChemGenes competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT): IDT is a leading manufacturer of custom oligonucleotides and nucleic acid reagents, including modified DNA/RNA amidites and synthesis supports. Now part of Danaher, IDT competes directly with ChemGenes in phosphoramidite chemistry and custom oligo services for research and therapeutic customers.
- Glen Research: Glen Research specializes in reagents for oligonucleotide synthesis, including phosphoramidites, supports, and modifiers for DNA and RNA. It is one of ChemGenes' closest direct competitors in catalog amidite and modified-chemistry products.
- TriLink BioTechnologies: TriLink manufactures modified nucleic acid products, including mRNA, oligonucleotides and CleanAmp amidites, for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. It directly overlaps with ChemGenes in modified RNA chemistry and custom oligo manufacturing.
- LGC Biosearch Technologies: Biosearch Technologies produces oligonucleotide synthesis reagents, custom probes, and modified nucleic acids for genomics and diagnostics. It is comparable to ChemGenes in catalog reagents and custom oligo services for research and applied markets.
- Eurogentec: Eurogentec manufactures custom oligonucleotides, modified amidites, and nucleic acid-based reagents under ISO and cGMP quality systems for therapeutic and diagnostic customers. It is a direct European-headquartered peer in ChemGenes' modified-chemistry niche.
- BioAutomation: BioAutomation synthesizes specialty oligonucleotides and modified amidites and operates custom DNA/RNA synthesis services. It is a direct competitor in custom and modified oligo manufacturing for research and applied customers.
Broad incumbents
- MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck KGaA): MilliporeSigma offers a broad portfolio of nucleic acid synthesis reagents, modified amidites, and oligo building blocks under the Sigma-Aldrich brand. As a much larger life-science tools incumbent, it competes with ChemGenes across most of its catalog while serving a far broader customer base.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher supplies nucleic acid chemistry reagents, custom oligos, and synthesis services across its Life Sciences Solutions segment. Its scale, GMP capabilities and global distribution make it a broad incumbent competing with ChemGenes for nucleic-acid therapeutic supply contracts.
Emerging players
- 10x Genomics: 10x Genomics is the dominant single-cell genomics platform provider via its Chromium technology, which is increasingly displacing Drop-Seq methods. It represents a competitive threat to ChemGenes' Drop-Seq bead franchise rather than a direct reagent peer.
- Twist Bioscience: Twist Bioscience manufactures synthetic DNA and oligonucleotides using silicon-based DNA synthesis, with growing capability in modified and therapeutic-grade nucleic acids. It is an emerging peer in the nucleic acid manufacturing space that could compete with ChemGenes' custom synthesis offerings over time.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ChemGenes social profiles
Digital presenceChemGenes compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
ChemGenes financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ChemGenes leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ChemGenes funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ChemGenes 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 ChemGenes
What does ChemGenes do?
ChemGenes manufactures and sells nucleic acid chemistry reagents used in DNA and RNA synthesis, including phosphoramidites, CPG solid supports, nucleosides, mononucleotides, and a broad portfolio of modified amidites and specialty reagents. The company also produces Drop-Seq beads for single cell RNA sequencing, an FDA-style multiplex RT-qPCR kit for SARS-CoV-2 variant detection, and offers custom oligonucleotide synthesis services via its Custom Oligo Builder Tool to academic, pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics customers worldwide.
Is ChemGenes a public or private company?
ChemGenes is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was ChemGenes founded?
ChemGenes was founded in 1981. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is ChemGenes based?
ChemGenes is headquartered in Wilmington, United States, in the North America region.
How does ChemGenes make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Oligonucleotide Synthesis Reagents are the primary driver. The others are drop-Seq Beads, COVID-19 RT-qPCR Kits and custom Synthesis Services.
Who are ChemGenes's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), Glen Research, TriLink BioTechnologies, LGC Biosearch Technologies, Eurogentec and BioAutomation. Broad incumbents are MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck KGaA) and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Emerging players are 10x Genomics and Twist Bioscience.
Does ChemGenes have an API?
No public API is recorded for ChemGenes.
What industry is ChemGenes in?
ChemGenes's product category is Nucleic Acid Synthesis Reagents and Specialty Chemistry. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAGAC, mRNA & Nucleic Acid Manufacturing Services (mRNA/saRNA/Plasmid DNA), with a secondary code of HLAAADAF, RNA Manufacturing & CMC (oligo synthesis, IVT, purification, formulation, QC). Its NAICS code is 325411 and its SIC code is 2833.