International Genetic Engineering

International Genetic Engineering, commonly known as INGENE, was a pioneering biotechnology company founded in 1981 and based in Santa Monica, California. The company specialized in the application of recombinant DNA technology to develop specialty chemicals, food additives, and human therapeutics. INGENE was notably successful in producing thaumatin, a natural high-intensity sweetener, through microbial fermentation, and was an early leader in the development of chimeric monoclonal antibodies for oncology. In 1989, the company was acquired by XOMA Corporation in a stock swap valued at approximately $37 million. This acquisition integrated INGENE's proprietary protein expression systems and antibody engineering expertise into XOMA's therapeutic pipeline.