This story has been updated from a previous version to include a comment from Orion Genomics.
Under the extended agreement, the Tobacco Genome Initiative, led by NCSU investigators, will use Orion's GeneThresher technology to develop an overall map of the tobacco genome. In an initial phase, the initiative had evaluated several gene discovery methodologies, including Orion's.
Nathan Lakey, CEO of Orion Genomics, declined to reveal how much money the company will receive under the contract. The Tobacco Genome Initiative is funded with $17.6 million in total from Philip Morris USA.