Intrexon, a provider of synthetic biology, has completed the acquisition of San Diego-based Medistem, a pioneer in the development of Endometrial Regenerative Cells (ERCs), universal donor adult-derived stem cells with properties uniquely suited for therapeutic use with Intrexon's existing suite of synthetic biology technologies.

Upon integration of these platforms, ERCs could be manufactured as genetically modified vehicles to secrete powerful therapeutic effectors in the body for clinical benefit to patients suffering from many different diseases.

In combination with Intrexon's diverse proprietary suite of technologies, including its UltraVector gene engineering and assembly, RheoSwitch Therapeutic System platform and Cell Systems Informatics, Medistem's ERCs have the potential to be utilized as vehicles to deliver novel genetically controlled therapies for conditions such as cancer, inflammation and a number of orphan diseases.

Thomas Ichim, Ph.D., former president and chief science officer of Medistem, will join Intrexon in its cell engineering unit. Medistem stockholders will receive in exchange for each share of Medistem common stock $0.27 in cash and $1.08 worth of Intrexon common stock.