Chiron grants a non-exclusive license to the German Red Cross

Chiron Corporation has announced that it has granted a non-exclusive license to the Blood Transfusion Centers of the German Red Cross (Blutspendediensten des Deutsche Rotes Kreuz, or DRK) for use of the company's HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) technology for use in molecular probe "home brew" blood screening.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Chiron is dedicated to the safety of the world's blood supply, and we're very pleased to have reached this amicable solution with the German Red Cross," said Jack Goldstein, president, Chiron Blood Testing. "The agreement extends our commitment to meet the needs of customers while recognizing the value of our innovative science."

Chiron has granted a license to DRK through 2008. In addition, the DRK has the option to license Chiron's patents beyond 2008 upon payment of an additional fee. The licensing terms also cover potential past infringements.