Company bought a majority stake in Artemis.

Taconic Farms will purchase an 80.1% stake in Artemis Pharmaceuticals from Exelixis. The acquisition will bolster Taconic’s position as a supplier of genetically engineered mice.


The companies formed an alliance in 2005, combining Artemis’ platform in mouse genetics and genomics with Taconic’s expertise in breeding mice and rats, quality control, and global marketing and distribution. This transaction gives way to an integrated firm that will be called TaconicArtemis.


“We have already proven that combining the strengths of Artemis and Taconic under the alliance significantly speeds up the delivery of genetically modified mice to clients,” points out Sam Phelan, Taconic CEO. “The acquisition will enable us to continue to improve this service by more closely aligning our sales, marketing, and production operations.”


Artemis is focused on the research, development, and commercialization of genetically engineered mouse models and engineered mouse embryonic stem cells. Taconic is a provider of licensing, breeding, and distribution of genetically modified models.


“Artemis has established a leading position in the generation of sophisticated mouse models,” according to George A. Scangos, Ph.D., president and CEO of Exelixis. “Taconic is one of the world’s leading suppliers of mice. Artemis’ capabilities will allow Taconic to provide a broader line of mice to its customers and to rapidly generate custom-made models for its customers as well.”

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