bioMerieux Signs New Agreements with Gen-Probe

08-Oct-2004

Marcy L'Etoile. bioMerieux has signed a licensing agreement with Gen-Probe that gives Gen-Probe access to bioMerieux's intellectual property for detecting genetic mutations that predispose people to blood clotting disorders. Also, bioMerieux has given Gen-Probe negotiation rights for access to the bioMerieux NUCLISENS EASYQ(R) platform. Furthermore, bioMerieux has been granted an option to access Gen-Probe's ribosomal RNA markers, for molecular microbial identification.

"These agreements with Gen-Probe enable us to value our portfolio of patented technologies. The access to Gen-Probe's ribosomal RNA markers will contribute to our future growth in molecular biology. Our potential collaboration with Gen-Probe, regarding access to our innovative NUCLISENS EASYQ(R) platform, could be a valuable opportunity in the future for both companies." said Benoit Adelus, Executive Vice President of bioMerieux.

Gen-Probe will pay bioMerieux $1 million for a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use bioMerieux's intellectual property to develop tests that detect mutations in the genes that code for factor V and prothrombin, proteins that control the blood clotting process. Gen-Probe will pay bioMerieux royalties on the sale of products developed using bioMerieux's intellectual property. Detecting these mutations, which predispose people to blood clotting disorders, is more and more important and concerns patients with a personal or family history of blood clots, for people having surgery, for pregnant women, and for women taking oral contraceptives.

Under the NUCLISENS EASYQ(R) platform arrangement, Gen-Probe may negotiate to develop TMA amplified assays complementary to bioMerieux products lines for further distribution by bioMerieux in selected territories.

Concerning the access to the Gen-Probe Ribosomal RNA markers, under the terms of the agreement bioMerieux will pay $ 0.25 million for a limited research license and an option to develop diagnostic products, for certain disease targets, using these technologies. If the option is exercised, bioMerieux may pay up to $ 7.5 million depending of the number of the target exercised. Under the licenses, Gen-Probe also will receive royalties on the sale of products developed using Gen-Probe's intellectual property.

bioMerieux took the opportunity of these agreements to terminate its previous agreement with Gen-Probe relating to the development of assays for bioMerieux VIDAS PROBE instrument, a project that has been discontinued after bioMerieux acquired the NUCLISENS EASYQ platform from Organon Teknika in 2001. bioMerieux will pay approximately $ 1.6 million as minimum royalties and to conclude certain outstanding obligations under the license.

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