Addgene is a unique, nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate research and discovery by improving access to useful research materials and information. Addgene operates a repository for a research reagent called a plasmid and serves as a scientific supply house providing useful research materials to researchers in all areas of the life sciences. Plasmids can be purchased from Addgene via its website. The organization has partnered with local distributors in China, Japan, and Korea. Addgene was founded in 2004 and is based in Massachusetts, United States.