A global map showing how synthetic nucleic acids are produced, shipped, and regulated
Challenge: uncertainty around the global supply of synthetic DNA hampers advocacy
As DNA synthesis becomes more affordable, accessible, and globally distributed, there is an increased risk that synthetic DNA could be misused to create an modify potentially dangerous biological agents. As IBBIS works to increase the share of synthesis orders that are screened by developing tools for sequence and customer screening, we faced important uncertainties: which companies are currently selling synthetic DNA or benchtop DNA printers? Are these companies employing robust screening measures? How is potentially dangerous DNA currently accessed around the world? What policies already govern the production and transfer of synthetic DNA? Where would advocacy for new standards or regulations have the greatest impact?
IBBIS is tackling these uncertainties head-on. We began by gathering insights from associations like the Global Biofoundries Alliance and International Gene Synthesis Consortium, market research reports, and direct communications with industry experts and pathogen scientists. However, many existing information sources were incomplete or outdated, obscuring the current state of synthetic DNA production and transfer. Given its potential to create new pathogens and other biosecurity risks, mapping the production, screening practices, distribution networks, and regulatory oversight of synthetic DNA is essential for safeguarding public health and security.
Our Work: a global map of DNA synthesis providers and policies
The map offers a clear view of different types of companies, what products they offer, and where screening is conducted.It aims to strengthen evidence-based decision-making in both laboratory and policy backgrounds.
What the Map provides
- An interactive visual reference showing where synthetic DNA is being produced, whether by in-country providers, third-party vendors, or benchtop device manufacturers
- Country-level policy overviews: Compare national approaches to governance and oversight, including summaries of pathogen lists, GMO licensing, synthesis frameworks, and other policies that govern nucleic acids
- Filter datasets to explore issues like cross-border shipping and access asymmetries between regions
- Request detailed data to support supply-chain oversight, confidence-building, risk assessment, and regulatory harmonization
Methodology
The data presented in this map were compiled through a research approach that included:
- Regional Scientist Surveys: We did direct outreach to life sciences researchers in targeted regions, asking them where they acquired their synthetic DNA; the map includes results from almost 100 respondents.
- Multilingual Public Data and Partnerships: Our team of consultants worked in different languages to identify current synthesis providers across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the MENA region. We partnered with Asia-based organizations to further strengthen our mapping of Asian providers.
- Expert Interviews: In-depth interviews were held with biosecurity professionals, industry representatives, and policy experts to validate and contextualize our findings.
- Policy Mapping: We identified policies relevant to nucleic acid synthesis sales and transfer in over 60 target countries.
You can read more about the partnerships and collaborations that led to the map on our Collaboration page.
Project Timeline
- December 2024 | Announcement of the Global Synthesis Map project at the BWC
- December 2025 | Launch of globalsynthesismap.bio
- Early 2026 | Comprehensive report and analysis