Chiron Corporation

American biotechnology company

Chiron Corporation

Chiron Corporation logo

Chiron Corporation was a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California. Founded in 1981, Chiron was a pioneer in the field of biotechnology, focusing on the development of vaccines, blood testing products, and oncology therapeutics. The company played a significant role in the advancement of recombinant DNA technology and was instrumental in the development of several important medical products.

History

Chiron Corporation was established by a group of scientists and entrepreneurs, including William J. Rutter, Edward Penhoet, and Pablo Valenzuela. The company quickly gained recognition for its innovative research and development in the field of biotechnology. In the 1980s, Chiron made significant contributions to the development of hepatitis B vaccines and HIV diagnostic tests.

In 1995, Chiron acquired Ciba-Geigy's diagnostics business, which expanded its capabilities in the field of diagnostic testing. This acquisition allowed Chiron to become a leader in the development of blood screening technologies, particularly for infectious diseases.

Products and Innovations

Chiron was known for its diverse portfolio of products, which included vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Some of the key products developed by Chiron included:

• Vaccines: Chiron developed vaccines for a variety of infectious diseases, including influenza, hepatitis B, and meningococcal disease.
• Diagnostics: The company was a leader in the development of blood screening tests for HIV, hepatitis C, and other infectious agents.
• Therapeutics: Chiron's oncology division focused on the development of cancer treatments, including monoclonal antibodies and gene therapy products.

Acquisition by Novartis

In 2006, Chiron Corporation was acquired by Novartis, a global healthcare company based in Switzerland. The acquisition allowed Novartis to expand its presence in the biotechnology sector and integrate Chiron's innovative products into its own portfolio. Following the acquisition, Chiron's operations were integrated into Novartis's vaccines and diagnostics division.

Legacy

Chiron Corporation's contributions to the field of biotechnology have had a lasting impact on the development of medical products and technologies. The company's pioneering work in recombinant DNA technology and its advancements in vaccine and diagnostic development have paved the way for future innovations in the field.

Related pages

• Biotechnology
• Recombinant DNA
• Vaccine
• Novartis