Cutter Laboratories

Cutter Laboratories is a pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1897 in Berkeley, California. The company is known for its significant contributions to the biotechnology industry, particularly in the development of vaccines and blood plasma products. Cutter Laboratories was acquired by Bayer AG in 1974 and is now part of Bayer's healthcare division.

History[edit | edit source]

Cutter Laboratories was established by Dr. Edward Ahern Cutter, a surgeon from San Francisco. The company initially focused on the production of serums and antitoxins, which were used to treat diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus. In the early 20th century, Cutter Laboratories expanded its product line to include vaccines and blood plasma products.

In 1974, Cutter Laboratories was acquired by Bayer AG, a German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company. Since the acquisition, Cutter Laboratories has continued to operate as a part of Bayer's healthcare division.

Contributions to Biotechnology[edit | edit source]

Cutter Laboratories has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology. The company was one of the first to develop a vaccine for polio, which was a major public health concern in the mid-20th century. Cutter Laboratories also played a key role in the development of blood plasma products, which are used in the treatment of hemophilia and other blood disorders.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Cutter Laboratories has been involved in several controversies over the years. In the 1980s, the company was criticized for its handling of the AIDS crisis. Cutter Laboratories was accused of continuing to sell blood products that were contaminated with HIV, despite knowing the risks. The company eventually agreed to a settlement with the victims of the contaminated blood products.